The key facts
- Marine Le Pen said the government had 'lost control over everything' after the riots of October 17
- About 2,500 detainees, more than 1,000 injured law enforcement officers and firefighters, around 3,000 damaged shops
- Curfew from October 19 in Paris, Lille, Lyon, Marseille and Nice; new protests on October 24
Le Pen accused the authorities of losing control
National Rally leader and presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said on Wednesday on franceinfo that Emmanuel Macron's government had 'lost control over everything' after the riots during the 'yellow vest' protests on October 17 against the high cost of living. According to her, the unrest was predictable, but the authorities were not prepared: 'What happened on Saturday was predictable,' although it was not expected. 'We are facing a collapsing state,' she added.
Demand for financial liability
Le Pen called on the prosecutor's office to show 'absolute firmness' toward those guilty of looting and demanded that the perpetrators compensate for the damage. 'They will pay, and if necessary — for their whole lives,' she said. She proposed withholding compensation from benefits or wages and noted that parents pay for minors. In her view, the very prospect of paying for the damage would deter attacks on private and public property.
Skepticism about the curfew
Le Pen doubted the effectiveness of the curfews imposed in a number of cities, including Paris, Lyon and Marseille: 'I am not at all sure that it is the curfew that is the cause of this lull.'
Participation in talks with the prime minister
When asked about Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's meeting with political parties on Thursday, Le Pen said that National Rally would send representatives, rejecting suggestions of a boycott of the talks.
Scale of the riots
The 'yellow vests,' with the support of students, held nationwide protests on October 17 against high prices for living and fuel. According to Anadolu, about 2,500 people were detained, and more than 1,000 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured. Around 3,000 shops were damaged or looted; state buildings were attacked, including the torched city hall of Limoges and the tourist office of Lyon. Business owners criticized the authorities' actions, after which local curfews were imposed from October 19 in Paris, Lille, Lyon, Marseille and Nice. The movement plans new protests on October 24.
