French President Emmanuel Macron says looters and those who attacked government buildings will be punished after nationwide unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday night that people who looted businesses and attacked government buildings during nationwide unrest would be prosecuted and punished, while distinguishing them from peaceful demonstrators.

Macron made the remarks in a televised address on October 18 following two days of unrest across France. “We all feel angry tonight. We feel shame as well, seeing the disasters that unfolded in our streets,” he said.

“Those people who looted need to pay for their crimes. Those people who attacked government buildings need to pay for their crimes,” Macron said. “There is no impunity.”

He said peaceful protesters should not be conflated with rioters and looters, noting that many demonstrators had legitimate concerns about rising fuel prices. Macron linked the increase in fuel costs to the war in Iran.

“We should never mix up peaceful protesters with looters and rioters,” Macron said. “There are people who rightfully feel that fuel prices are going too high. It’s because of the Iran war.”

Macron said the government would respond firmly to those responsible for violence while preserving the right to peaceful protest. He has also called for a review of whether intelligence and police preparations were sufficient ahead of the unrest.

The protests began over living costs, school conditions and public services and drew hundreds of thousands of people across France. The demonstrations were largely peaceful, but looting, arson and attacks on public buildings were reported in several cities.