Macron threatens punishment for rioters and distinguishes them from peaceful protesters

French President's stance on street events

Head of state Emmanuel Macron commented on recent incidents accompanied by looting and attacks on official buildings. He emphasised that individuals involved in these actions will inevitably face punishment. The President separately highlighted the importance of clearly distinguishing between citizens expressing their protest peacefully and those participating in looting or riots.

Reaction to tragedies and public anger

Commenting on the situation, Macron stated:

«Сьогодні ввечері всі ми відчуваємо гнів. Ми також відчуваємо сором, спостерігаючи за трагедіями, що розгортаються на наших вулицях» (Tonight, we all feel anger. We also feel shame, watching the tragedies unfolding on our streets).

Key points of the speech

According to the French President, the situation has several key aspects:

• Those who engaged in looting must bear responsibility for the crimes committed.
• Responsibility also awaits those who attacked government institutions.
• It is unacceptable to equate peaceful protesters with looters. Part of the population has legitimate grievances about excessively high fuel prices against the backdrop of the war in Iran.

Warning of strict measures

Macron paid particular attention to the direct participants of the riots, warning them of a severe reaction from the authorities. The President of France categorically stated:

«Не буде жодної безкарності» (There will be no impunity).