France's second-largest city, Marseille, has completely fallen under the control of rioters. Taking to the streets in the guise of protests, rioters continuously attacked police forces and forced them to retreat. Action against those causing unrest in France over the past three days has now fully begun. Police have arrested more than 2,400 people in connection with these incidents. On Sunday alone, 2,000 individuals were detained. Amidst this volatile situation, French President Emmanuel Macron adopted a stern stance, firmly declaring that those who engaged in vandalism and wreaked havoc will have to bear the cost.
Widespread Looting and Arson Across French Cities
President Macron stated that ultra-left group protesters and associated rioters have carried out rampant looting and arson across various French cities. According to police reports, more than 500,000 demonstrators participated in protests across 148 locations throughout France. During these demonstrations, shops were looted, and public property was extensively damaged. However, Macron emphasized that those responsible for the looting will now be held financially accountable for the damages.
Action Begins Against Looters and Vandals
Law enforcement actions against those involved in arson, looting, and vandalism in France have officially kicked off. Authorities are in the process of identifying each individual rioter. A new regulation has been established in France, mirroring the firm approach taken by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi आदित्यनाथ, while similarly, President Macron has made it crystal clear that anyone who has caused devastation must pay the price for their actions.
Those Who Caused Devastation Must Pay the Price
President Emmanuel Macron stated that our judges dispense justice in your name and they know what you expect. Whenever a crime is committed, appropriate legal action must be taken, while those who caused devastation must pay the price. Those who engaged in looting must make restitution, and individuals who attempted to bring down the republic must answer for their actions.
Attacks on Buildings, Stores, and Town Halls
Emmanuel Macron expressed that he was addressing the public this evening under a very grave situation. Following the events of yesterday across several cities in mainland France and overseas territories, it's even more crucial to address that on Saturday, October 17th, protesters from ultra-left groups and various associated rioters unleashed extreme violence in our cities. Numerous shops were looted, and public buildings, stores, and town halls were subjected to direct attacks.
Nineteenth Century City Hall Set on Fire
Out-of-control rioters in France destroyed a historic 143-year-old building by setting a 19th-century city hall on fire. The city hall in Limoges, Paris, which was consumed by flames, had witnessed two world wars, but is now severely damaged by modern-day rioters who set it ablaze.
Approximately 550,000 People Participated in Protests
According to government statistics, approximately 550,000 people took part in the nationwide protests across France, a figure that could potentially reach up to 800,000. These demonstrators participated following calls from labor unions, student organizations, and various activists. The situation on the ground remains tense, while masked rioters gathered under the guise of protests are driving away police vehicles and looting remaining stores. Not just the capital city of Paris, but the fire of violence, arson, and looting disguised as protests has engulfed the entirety of France.