Macron blames 'insurrectionist far-left' for violent protests across France

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Sunday's violent scenes across France during cost-of-living protests, calling the looting and vandalism "shocking" and blaming "insurrectionist far-left" groups joined by criminals. He vowed those responsible would pay for damages and face accountability. In a televised address, Macron said "nothing justifies it, nothing excuses it" and expressed national anger and shame over the unrest. He ordered a review to assess potential failures in intelligence gathering or police preparedness before the protests, and announced plans to empower prefects and mayors to ban certain gatherings. The violence occurred amid mounting political, fiscal and social pressures in the final six months of Macron's presidency. His remarks pointed to radical left elements as the primary instigators, with numerous criminals also participating in the disorder.