France’s Macron condemns 'battle scenes' in protests

By Yusuf Ozcan

PARIS

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday condemned the war-like scenes from days of anti-government protests, according to a government spokesman.

“President Macron condemns the battle scenes at the protests,” Benjamin Griveaux said after a Cabinet meeting on the demonstrations, sparked by rising fuel prices.

“There is a France that couldn’t find its place in European history. Our government will bring everyone to the table and be more sensitive to the problems and views of the French people,” Griveaux said.

Thousands of French demonstrators have taken to the streets of cities including Paris to protest rising fuel prices and high taxes, among other grievances.

The protests turned violent as security forces used tear gas to disperse demonstrators, especially along Paris’ Champs-Elysees.

So far, at least two people have been killed and over 750 people injured, including 136 security guards, and 693 people have been detained during over a week of demonstrations.

Some 106,000 people have taken part in around 1,600 demonstrations across the country, according to French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.

Millions of people also took part in nationwide demonstrations in May and June.