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

French President Emmanuel Macron has pressed "calm and order" and cautioned riots nationwide must not escalate, during a national television address.

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.
• As well as other areas, widespread looting took place throughout the cities of Paris, Marseille and Lille.
• Macron pressed a distinction between the "legitimate demands" of protesters and "those who destroyed, smashed and looted".
• France's president remarked "nothing justifies" the "unbridled" violence seen and stated those involved would face justice.

Speaking from the Élysée Palace in Paris, the president remarked "we all feel anger and shame" after a major day of protests turned into rioting and looting throughout France on Saturday.

Macron pressed a distinction between the "legitimate demands" of protesters and "those who destroyed, smashed and looted". Police have arrested regarding 2, 400 residents.

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.

Macron remarked local prefects and mayors will work together nationwide to do what they need to do to protect shops and buildings.

Macron 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.