MACRON: THOSE WHO ATTACKED AND LOOTED WILL BE PROSECUTED

PARIS, OCTOBER 17 /SRNA/ - French President Emmanuel Macron said today that those who attacked, vandalized, and looted prefecture offices and businesses during protests in the country would be prosecuted and punished.

In a post on X, Macron said there was "no place for violence" in France.

"I express the nation’s support for the police, who guarantee the right to protest. We will all stand united in the fight against those sowing chaos, who seek only to destroy our institutions and prevent those peacefully voicing their demands from doing so," Macron concluded.

Clashes between police and demonstrators broke out in cities across France today as protesters took to the streets over the rising cost of living and deteriorating public services.

The Interior Ministry said that 272 people had been detained by 3:48 p.m. following violent incidents involving hooded individuals in Paris, Marseille, Rennes, Toulouse and Angers.

According to police information reported by BFM TV, a protester was seriously injured in the French city of Saint-Étienne, losing a hand.