Macron condemns French riots, orders police review and mulls ban on gatherings

French President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned the riots and looting during protests in France, ordered an investigation into the events, and suggested local authorities may be given powers to ban certain gatherings. He addressed the nation on Sunday evening following an emergency meeting at the Elysee Palace. Macron said he ordered a review to determine whether there were failures in intelligence gathering or police preparedness before the protests, which were accompanied by looting and violence. He stated that prefects and mayors will receive authority to ban certain gatherings if necessary, and he instructed the government to organize a meeting this week with students, teachers, lawmakers, unions, and business leaders to formulate proposals to resolve the crisis. Between 550,000 and 800,000 people demonstrated across France on Saturday against the high cost of living, according to police and organizers, with violence, looting, and vandalism occurring in several cities. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said over 2,000 people have been detained. Macron emphasized a clear distinction between protesters and criminals, while U.S. President Donald Trump linked the protests to migration and urged Paris to close its borders.