▲ French President Emmanuel Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron said on the 18th (local time) that he feels "anger and shame" over the looting and violence that occurred during nationwide protests.
According to AFP and Reuters, President Macron made the remarks during a national address that day, stating, "Nothing can justify it, nothing can explain it, and it is unforgivable under any circumstances."
He stressed that looters must be distinguished from protesters with "legitimate demands," asking, "How can French citizens do this to France?"
President Macron announced that he would grant mayors and centrally appointed regional prefects the authority to ban specific gatherings.
He added that he has ordered an investigation to determine whether there were shortcomings in intelligence gathering regarding the violent protests or in police preparedness.
"We need to sit down at the negotiation table and build solutions together," President Macron emphasized.
He also said he has asked the government to set up a framework where students, teachers, lawmakers, union representatives, and business leaders can come together to formulate concrete proposals.
According to French authorities, high school student protests demanding improved educational conditions escalated the previous day into massive demonstrations across France protesting high living costs, leading to the arrest of about 2,400 people and injuries to approximately 1,000 police officers and others.
Unrest continued into the afternoon of the same day as bicycles were set on fire and clashes broke out between police and protesters.
Some analysts suggest that the protests reflect anger over President Macron's policy failures, such as a vulnerable economy and soaring national debt.
President Macron, who took office in 2017, is set to step down next year after completing a decade in power.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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