French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned looting and vandalism across the country during protests over the cost of living, describing the scenes as shocking and expressing anger and shame over the destruction.

In a televised address to the nation on Sunday, Macron questioned how those involved could vandalise their own country, saying the images from the affected cities were disturbing.

“Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it. Tonight, we all feel anger and shame,” he said.

Macron, whose final six months in office have been marked by mounting political, fiscal and social pressures, said he had ordered a review to determine whether intelligence failures or inadequate police preparedness contributed to the violence.

The protests, initially linked to concerns over the rising cost of living, were accompanied by reports of looting and vandalism in several French cities.

Macron also said prefects and mayors would be empowered to prohibit certain gatherings where necessary, as part of efforts to prevent further unrest.

In a move aimed at addressing the wider crisis, he said he had asked the government to convene students, teachers, lawmakers, trade union representatives and business leaders during the week to develop practical proposals.

“We must sit around the table and build solutions together,” he said.

However, Macron did not provide further details about the proposed discussions or the specific measures his administration intends to introduce to address the concerns behind the protests.

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