PARIS - About 2,400 people were arrested across France after nationwide protests were marred by riots and looting, while nearly 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured, officials said.
President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised address on Oct. 18 that the government would review intelligence gathering and police preparedness after one of the country’s worst outbreaks of unrest in years. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez provided the arrest and injury figures, according to Reuters.
Peaceful Marches and Rioting
The Oct. 17 demonstrations brought together grievances over the cost of living and conditions in schools. Authorities estimated turnout at about 550,000, while organizers said 800,000 people participated.
Most demonstrators marched peacefully, but separate groups set buildings on fire, looted shops and clashed with police. A fire nearly destroyed the historic town hall in Limoges.
Tensions continued Sunday, when hundreds gathered again at Place de la République in Paris and police used tear gas, according to The Associated Press.
Macron Orders Security Review
Macron condemned the violence and ordered officials to determine whether failures in intelligence collection or police preparations contributed to the disorder, Reuters reported.
Prefects and mayors will be able to prohibit individual gatherings when necessary. Macron also instructed the government to hold talks in the coming week with students, teachers, lawmakers, labor unions and businesses to develop concrete proposals.
The government did not declare a state of emergency. Macron said the grievances of peaceful protesters were legitimate while drawing a distinction between demonstrators and those responsible for arson, vandalism and looting.
Source: Vesti Baku.