On Sunday evening, French President Emmanuel Macron launched a scathing attack on those he called "vandals," saying that "everyone is angry and ashamed" of the widespread violence and rioting in France.
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In a televised address, commenting on the widespread violence and rioting in France, he said: "We are all angry tonight, and we are also ashamed of the disasters we have witnessed in our streets."
He added: "What are they thinking? How could the French people do this to France?" He asked: "Nothing justifies this," explaining that "the Prime Minister will head a crisis unit to deal with compensation."
He stated: "They must pay the price. Seeing our city streets looted in this way is unbearable."
Macron affirmed his support for shop owners and tradespeople affected by the looting. He also stated that "hundreds of thousands" of protesters have "legitimate demands," and urged people not to confuse them with rioters.
Macron stated that "prefects will make decisions in coordination with mayors to protect cities, public buildings and shops, including, where necessary, banning certain gatherings and taking all necessary measures."
He called on "political parties, professional organizations and unions to categorically condemn the violence," explaining that "the country needs order and calm, not escalation," saying: "Our country deserves fair presidential elections" and discussions "with the parties, not in the streets, through violence."
France is experiencing one of its most violent days of unrest in years, after protests over rising prices and declining public services left one protester dead, hundreds of police officers injured, and thousands arrested.
Demonstrations across France turned into riots, with a town hall building set on fire, shops looted, and groups clashing with police in cities throughout the country.
One protester died of a heart attack during demonstrations in Paris. Across France, the Interior Minister stated that police arrested more than 2,000 people and that over 600 police officers were injured.