Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, stated that among the participants in the protest actions were not only radical elements but also a significant number of citizens expressing concern. This was reported by RIA Novosti.
He pointed to "unprecedented violence" against law enforcement officers and demanded that the government take measures to prevent a repeat of such events. In addition, Macron called on all parties and trade unions to condemn the actions of the instigators of the unrest.
A few weeks before this, high school and university students protesting were joined by ultra-left activists, supporters of the "yellow vests" movement, taxi drivers, nurses, construction workers and trade union representatives. They took to the streets to express dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living and price increases. The total number of participants reached 550 thousand people.
The demonstrations were accompanied by fierce clashes with police, unrest, pogroms and vandalism. Radicalized young people smashed shops and also set fires. Tear gas, stun grenades and water cannons were used to disperse the crowds. The number of those detained exceeded two thousand; more than 600 security officers and firefighters were injured.