Widespread Riots Sweep French Cities Amid Rising Tensions
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Protests over cost of living and social issues escalated into violent riots in several French cities, resulting in two deaths and prompting President Emmanuel Macron to announce a ban on public gatherings and a crackdown on looting.
Violent unrest erupted in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other French cities on Sunday, with reports of burning vehicles, smashed storefronts and looted shops. Authorities confirmed two fatalities: one person suffered a seizure during a protest in Paris and another fell from the Arc de Triomphe.
President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation in the evening, stating that public gatherings could be prohibited if necessary and that individuals involved in looting and arson would face prosecution. He emphasized that the actions of a minority of rioters should not be conflated with peaceful demonstrators.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez faced calls from opposition parties for his resignation, while Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu urged citizens to choose between supporting the Republic or the rioters. Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan questioned the adequacy of police deployment, noting that only one company of national riot police was assigned to a city larger than Paris.
International reactions included a statement from President Donald Trump on his social media platform, urging stricter border controls in response to the unrest. Leaders from Iran and Hungary also commented on the situation.
The riots come as France approaches the final months of President Macron’s second term, with upcoming elections expected to intensify political debate. Polls indicate that left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon and far-right candidate Marine Le Pen are both positioned as potential contenders in the May presidential runoff.