Macron condemns "shocking" scenes of violence across France

PARIS, Oct 18 (Reuters) - ‌French President ​Emmanuel ​Macron condemned on Sunday what he called the "dissenters" who looted and vandalised cities ‌in "shocking" scenes across France on the sidelines ⁠of protests over the cost of living.

"Looking at these ‌images, we have all ‌asked ourselves: what was going through their minds? How can French people do this to ​France?" Macron said in a televised address to the nation. "Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, ⁠nothing excuses it. Tonight, we all feel anger and shame."

Macron, whose ​final six months in office are being shaped by mounting political, fiscal and ​social pressures, said he had ‌ordered a review to determine whether there had been failings in intelligence ⁠gathering or police preparedness before protests that were later marred by looting and violence.

He said prefects and ⁠mayors would be empowered to ban certain gatherings where necessary.

Macron ​also said he had asked the government to bring together students, teachers, lawmakers, trade union representatives and business ‌leaders this week to formulate what he described as "concrete proposals" to address ‌the crisis, without providing further details.

"We must sit ⁠around the table and ‌build solutions together," ​he said.

(Reporting by Michel Rose and Sybille de La Hamaide; editing by Richard ‌Lough)

---

Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

---

You May Also Be Interested In

• France mounts huge security operation as protesters prepare to march
• UK's Healey to give two state-backed lenders £20 billion capital boost in budget
• Democrat on US FCC urges broadcast industry to be more aggressive confronting the agency