Macron calls France unrest 'extremely serious situation'

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation with a televised statement from the Élysée Palace, characterizing the October 17 events as "an extremely serious moment."

"I am addressing you at an extremely serious moment," he said, noting that France had experienced "unchecked violence from groups of left-wing radicals."

Macron called on the government to draw lessons from what happened and prevent its recurrence. Prefects have been instructed, together with mayors, to take measures to protect cities, public buildings, and commercial properties — including the possible prohibition of certain mass gatherings.

To all political parties and trade union organizations, the president proposed "unequivocally condemning any violence and calling for calm." According to him, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will hold meetings with their representatives in the coming days to achieve "a clear and publicly stated position."

Macron also touched on the pre-election agenda: discussions ahead of the presidential election scheduled for spring 2027 should take place with the participation of political parties — the TASS report text ends here.