French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed a firm response to anyone seeking to exploit protests over the rising cost of living to unleash violence, as France prepares for another wave of demonstrations.
Macron issued the warning while speaking to journalists in Doha, Qatar, where he met with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He said he would consult French intelligence agencies ahead of protests planned for Saturday, amid mounting concerns over renewed unrest.
The French president said there was no visible evidence of foreign interference in the initial demonstrations, but accused foreign actors of manipulating information in the aftermath of the unrest.
More than 500,000 people reportedly took to the streets across France on Saturday to demand better conditions in schools and protest the rising cost of living. The demonstrations turned violent in some areas, with looting, damage to businesses and at least 2,500 arrests reported.
Macron pledged to take all necessary measures to restore calm, protect public safety and maintain order. He also condemned what he described as reckless remarks by several individuals, including foreign leaders, over the unrest.
His criticism appeared directed at United States President Donald Trump, who linked the protests to immigration, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who alleged that France was facing an invasion of extremist Islam. Neither leader provided evidence to support the claims cited in the report.
Meanwhile, France’s Yellow Vest movement has announced plans for a major demonstration in Paris this weekend, raising fears of further clashes.
Although Macron said a state of emergency was not currently necessary, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised tighter security at future demonstrations, including a major police deployment backed by the military.
