French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that authorities will not allow violent unrest during upcoming protests over the rising cost of living.
Speaking in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday, Macron said the government would take necessary measures to maintain public order ahead of demonstrations planned for Saturday.
His warning follows widespread protests across France that drew more than half a million people and led to thousands of arrests.
According to Al Jazeera, Macron also criticised foreign leaders for making what he described as irresponsible comments about the unrest.
France prepares for new protests
Macron said he would meet with French intelligence officials before the planned demonstrations.
He warned that individuals seeking to cause violence or disorder would face action from authorities.
The president pledged to take all necessary measures to restore security and stability.
More than 500,000 people demonstrated across France last Saturday. Protesters demanded action on rising living costs and improvements in schools.
However, violence broke out in some areas. Shops were looted, and authorities arrested at least 2,500 people.
The unrest has increased pressure on the government to address economic concerns while maintaining public safety.
Macron criticises Trump and Netanyahu over protests
Macron also criticised foreign leaders who commented on the demonstrations.
He accused some of attempting to use France’s domestic unrest to advance their political interests.
The French president described certain statements as unacceptable and suggested that foreign politicians were seeking to appeal to their supporters.
Although Macron did not name specific leaders, his remarks appeared directed at US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump had claimed that the protests were linked to immigration.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu described the unrest as an invasion of extremist Islam.
Neither leader provided evidence to support those claims, according to Al Jazeera.
Macron rejected attempts to portray the demonstrations through foreign political narratives.
France warns of information manipulation
The French president said authorities had found no visible evidence of foreign interference in the protests themselves.
However, he warned that foreign actors had attempted to manipulate information after the unrest.
Macron distinguished between the demonstrations and the political narratives circulating about them.
His comments reflected concerns about how international political figures and online information campaigns could influence public perceptions of domestic events.
Yellow Vest movement plans Paris demonstration
France’s Yellow Vest movement has submitted plans for a major demonstration in Paris this weekend.
The movement first emerged in 2018 over fuel taxes and later expanded its demands to include living costs and economic inequality.
Its planned return comes as France faces renewed public frustration over household expenses and government policies.
Meanwhile, two consecutive nights of curfews passed without major incidents.
Macron said the current situation did not justify declaring a state of emergency.
However, the government is preparing additional security measures ahead of the weekend.
Government announces major security deployment
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has pledged to strengthen security during future demonstrations.
He said authorities would deploy large numbers of police officers, with military support.
The government says the measures aim to prevent further violence while maintaining public order.
France now faces the challenge of responding to economic grievances while preventing renewed clashes.
Saturday’s planned protests will test whether authorities can contain unrest without further escalating tensions.
Macron has maintained that peaceful demonstrations can continue, but warned that attempts to cause chaos will not be tolerated.