French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that the authorities were not prepared to deal with the widespread riots that swept the country on October 17, amid a wave of protests that has continued since last September.
Speaking during a visit to the city of Marseille, Macron said, according to remarks carried by BFMTV: The truth is that there were not enough security forces in Marseille, as in other cities, on October 17, because we had absolutely no idea what was going to happen.
Speaking at Marseille City Hall, which was vandalized and briefly stormed by protesters on October 17, Macron called for holding firm and said: If we work well together, this movement will calm down because we will meet legitimate demands and because order will be enforced.
He said that order was enforced while the right to protest was also respected during manifestations on October 24.
Macron stressed that declaring a state of emergency, which would expand police powers, is not necessary at this stage, but clarified that this measure is not off the table.
Speaking during a visit to the city of Marseille, Macron said, according to remarks carried by BFMTV: The truth is that there were not enough security forces in Marseille, as in other cities, on October 17, because we had absolutely no idea what was going to happen.
Speaking at Marseille City Hall, which was vandalized and briefly stormed by protesters on October 17, Macron called for holding firm and said: If we work well together, this movement will calm down because we will meet legitimate demands and because order will be enforced.
He said that order was enforced while the right to protest was also respected during manifestations on October 24.
Macron stressed that declaring a state of emergency, which would expand police powers, is not necessary at this stage, but clarified that this measure is not off the table.
