Macron urges calm as deadly unrest grips France

Summary

• French President Emmanuel Macron has appealed for calm after widespread riots and clashes rocked cities across France, leaving businesses damaged, public buildings burned and thousands of people arrested.
• However, he said the government would give local authorities the power to ban demonstrations where necessary to protect public buildings and businesses.
• Authorities continued clean-up operations across the country on Sunday as France faced mounting pressure to restore order and address the public grievances behind the demonstrations.

AI Generated Summary

French President Emmanuel Macron has appealed for calm after widespread riots and clashes rocked cities across France, leaving businesses damaged, public buildings burned and thousands of people arrested.

The unrest erupted during nationwide demonstrations against rising living costs, higher fuel prices and declining public services. More than 500,000 people reportedly took part in marches across the country on Saturday, although most protesters demonstrated peacefully.

Violent groups clashed with police, looted shops and set fire to public buildings. In the city of Limoges, a blaze severely damaged the town hall, with its clock tower collapsing. The incident raised concerns about the scale of destruction caused by the unrest.