Macron urges parties and unions to condemn violence after French unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron urged political parties, professional associations and trade unions to condemn violence unequivocally and call for calm. He made the appeal in an address to the public after Saturday’s unrest.

Macron also said authorities must listen to protesters’ legitimate demands and distinguish them from violence, RBC reported. He said the government had already begun addressing citizens’ concerns.

Demonstrations against rising living costs took place across France on Saturday. In several cities, they were accompanied by clashes with police, looting and fires at shops, vehicles and buildings. Police used tear gas, stun grenades and water cannons to disperse rioters.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported more than two thousand arrests and over 600 injured police officers, gendarmes and firefighters. Authorities put attendance at 550 thousand nationally, including 110 thousand in Paris.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will meet representatives of political parties, professional associations and unions in the coming days, Macron said. The president expects those organisations to make clear public statements condemning violence.