Macron warns of further risky protests in Marseille

26.10.2026 16:00 HotInfo

French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Monday during a visit to Marseille that Saturday, October 31, could again be risky for expected demonstrations. He also stated that social media is harming democracy, which he said was also evident in the violence during the current wave of protests in France. zpravy.aktualne.cz ↗

Macron visited Marseille a week after the unrest and met with Mayor Benoît Payan. He also planned talks with merchants, residents, and members of the security forces. He was specifically scheduled to meet with the owners of businesses that had been targeted by looting and vandalism. Le Figaro ↗

The president also visited the city hall, which had been briefly occupied by demonstrators on October 17. During his appearance, he said that tension in the streets would not disappear immediately. However, the French government has not yet moved to declare a state of emergency. The routes of the planned protests are to remain outside city centers. Le Figaro ↗

During Saturday's protests, French authorities arrested 1,435 people, and hundreds of police officers were injured. The government nevertheless described the course of the protest day as having been handled well. Tens of thousands of police officers were deployed in the streets. Welt ↗

New demonstrations during November have been announced by students, members of the yellow vests movement, pensioners, and civil servants. Continued political pressure on the government and further security measures are therefore expected. El Pais ↗