A leading French newspaper has issued a fierce indictment of the nation’s leadership after protests across the country spiraled into riots, looting and arson.
In an article published Sunday afternoon local time, Vincent Trémolet de Villers of the conservative newspaper Le Figaro attributed the unrest to years of political failure and directed especially sharp criticism at President Emmanuel Macron.
The commentary condemned what it characterized as a justice system that is “lenient toward criminals,” criticized far-left groups for committing violence without facing serious consequences, and challenged France’s immigration and security policies.
“A judiciary that is lenient toward criminals but unrelenting toward decent citizens. The incomprehensible privilege of these far-left militias, who destroy, set fires, and kill with impunity,” the article stated, according to a translation.
It also described “an uncontrolled immigration, in which a portion of the immigrants rebels against the country that took them in.”
The article criticized Macron for previously urging police to show greater empathy. (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP)
The newspaper further rebuked Macron over his earlier calls for police to adopt a more empathetic approach.
“Emmanuel Macron’s reprimands toward a police force he deemed insufficiently ‘empathetic’ — directed at officers under attack by bolts, cobblestones, and mortar fireworks — will remain an indelible stain,” the article said.
The author maintained that the violence exposed much broader shortcomings within France’s political establishment.
“If the far-left, criminals, and looters can turn France upside down in a matter of hours, it is primarily because a technocratic monarchy — intoxicated by its own self-importance — has methodically dismantled all the moral, security, cultural, and economic safeguards that allow a society to remain standing.”
The harsh editorial followed a day of unrest throughout France. According to The Associated Press, masked groups fought with police, looted shops, started fires and attacked public buildings.
Addressing the nation Sunday, Macron condemned the disorder and promised that those responsible would face consequences.
“Nothing will excuse their actions. We all tonight feel angry. We feel shame as well,” Macron said, according to a translation of his televised remarks.
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“There needs to be a response. Those people who looted need to pay for their crimes,” he added.
The president also recognized the economic anxiety expressed by young people, including concerns about their future careers and place in society.
“The youth of our nation are expressing great anguish and concern about the future, the conditions of where their careers will take them, what role they will be able to play in society,” Macron said. “… I hear what they are saying, for the past ten years I’ve been fighting for them, so we need to pay heed to what they are saying.”
Macron said he had ordered officials to strengthen security around public buildings and businesses, while acknowledging that demonstrations could be restricted in certain areas.
At least 2,400 people were arrested across France, including 855 in the Paris region, the AP reported.
More than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured, the AP reported, citing Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.
The criticism came as Macron also faced scrutiny over attending a Celine Dion concert with his wife, Brigitte, on Friday night, shortly before the nationwide demonstrations. (LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)
Authorities estimated roughly 550,000 people took part in Saturday’s demonstrations, while organizers put turnout at 800,000, according to the AP.
Hundreds of businesses were looted nationwide, and unrest continued Sunday in Paris, where police used tear gas as tensions flared around Place de la République.
The criticism also comes as Macron faces scrutiny over his decision to attend a Celine Dion concert with his wife, Brigitte, on Friday night, on the eve of the nationwide demonstrations.
The protests, fueled in part by anger over rising living costs, school conditions and public services, erupted into violence Saturday.
Macron’s office and Le Figaro could not immediately be reached by News Outlet for comment.
