France Protests Leave 2,400 Arrested as Macron Urges Unity

France protests over living costs and school conditions turned violent, with about 2,400 arrests. Macron called for unity and calm.

PARIS, France- French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm and national unity after protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions turned violent in cities across France.

Police arrested about 2,400 people during Saturday’s unrest, while nearly 1,000 police officers were injured, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said.

In a televised address on Sunday, October 18, Macron said the country felt “anger and shame” at scenes of looting, fires and clashes.

He said peaceful demonstrators had legitimate concerns, but that those who destroyed property and attacked people should be held accountable.

“Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it,” Macron said, while urging people to distinguish between protesters and those involved in violence.

Source: Y News