French government faces backlash after October 17 protest violence

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu broke his silence Saturday night, calling on citizens to "choose their side" between the Republic and rioters, targeting Jean-Luc Mélenchon's movement after unprecedented violence during the October 17 cost-of-living protest. The government faces criticism over its law-enforcement strategy after clashes between rioters and CRS, systematic vandalism in Paris, and looting across several cities. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, noting 1,200 arrests and vowing prosecution of those who attacked prefectures and businesses. The unrest, occurring six months before the presidential election's first round, evoked memories of the December 1, 2018 "yellow vests" violence at the Arc de Triomphe, highlighting the state's apparent loss of control against mobile, scattered rioters.