According to CCTV reports, on October 18 local time, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a televised speech, once again condemning the violent incidents that occurred in many parts of France on the 17th. He called for not to confuse demands with violence and stated that legal action would be taken against those who committed illegal acts.
Macron said that during the protests, French cities experienced "shocking" robberies and destruction. "Seeing these scenes, we can't help but ask ourselves: what are they thinking? How can the French treat France in such a way? There is no reason to justify such behavior, no reason to excuse it. Tonight, we all feel angry and ashamed."
He called on the French public to distinguish between those who ‘express their demands reasonably’ and those who take the opportunity to cause damage and robbery, and promised that those who commit destruction will be held legally responsible.
French President Macron delivers a televised speech; video screenshot
Macron expressed support for law enforcement officers, officials, and businesses affected by the violent incidents. He stated that French Prime Minister Le Courant will convene a crisis response meeting on the 19th local time to mobilize relevant assistance as soon as possible.
Regarding the dissatisfaction of French citizens, Macron said that he has asked the government to study countermeasures with all parties over the next week. "We must sit down and find solutions together."
In addition, Macron will visit Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar from the 19th to the 21st local time, in order to ensure France's energy supply.
According to CCTV International News, on October 17th local time, hundreds of thousands of people in France took to the streets to protest against rising living costs and deteriorating public services. Violent clashes between police and protesters occurred in cities such as Paris, with violent incidents involving masked individuals.
This protest took place as the French government is working on the budget proposal for 2027. Faced with high public debt and fiscal deficits, the government plans to improve the public finances by increasing revenues and reducing expenditures. However, these policies have caused concerns among the public that the purchasing power of money and public services may be affected.
