Macron calls for calm in France and warns rioting must not escalate

18 October 2026, 20: 14 BST. Updated 1 minute ago.

Key points

• Some 550, 000 demonstrators took to the streets for largely peaceful protests against rising fuel rates, the cost of living and deteriorating public services, including schools.
• France's interior ministry remarked concerning 1, 000 police officers were injured on Saturday, seven of them seriously.
• Police have arrested regarding 2, 400 residents, according to France's interior ministry.
• Shopkeepers were seen early on Sunday morning picking up sizeable shards of glass in Paris as rubbish trucks cleared up debris on some of the larger streets.
• As well as other areas, widespread looting took place throughout the cities of Paris, Marseille and Lille.

French President Emmanuel Macron has pressed "calm and order" after a major day of protests turned into rioting and looting on Saturday, and as some disorder continued in Paris on Sunday.

In a national address from the Élysée Palace, he cautioned those who had taken part not to "escalate", adding: "We all feel anger and shame."

Macron remarked a distinction must be drawn between the "legitimate demands" of protesters and "those who destroyed, smashed and looted".

Meanwhile, the French president remarked "nothing justifies" the "unbridled" violence seen and stated those involved would face justice.

Groups of rioters, some dressed in black and wearing masks and balaclavas, additionally came out in Paris, Marseille and other towns and cities, with some setting fire to cars and buildings.

On Sunday, looting and clashes with police continued on a smaller scale in parts of the capital and Lyon.

Tear gas and stun grenades were fired at hundreds of individuals in Paris, according to the AFP news agency, and bottles and rocks were again hurled at police.

Sunday saw cities nationwide confront the impact of what developed into one of the worst bouts of disorder in modern French history.

In Limoges, the ornate 19th Century city hall was gutted by a fire began by rioters on Saturday, its clock tower and roof collapsing and the flames took hold.

Speaking near the ruined building, Annèyse remarked: "This is highly upsetting. Harming heritage buildings just since you are angry at the administration is selfish, I think. It's hurting everybody."

"It's awful and unbelievable, " remarked another man who provided his name as Gerrard. "We are very sad and I think it will be a long time to put it back as it was before."

Macron remarked local prefects and mayors would draft measures to protections in place for shops and civic buildings.

Meanwhile, the president additionally stated there would be "full transparency" over the police response to the demonstrations.

Tear gas and water cannon were turned on crowds over the weekend and riot police were seen hitting individuals with batons in a number of places.

Taken together, the developments around macron calls for calm in France and warns rioting must not escalate point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.