Macron urges talks after worst riots in Paris for decades

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French President Emmanuel Macron ordered his prime minister on Sunday to hold talks with political leaders and demonstrators, as he sought a way out of nationwide protests after rioters turned central Paris into a battle zone.

Riot police on Saturday were overwhelmed as protesters ran amok in Paris's wealthiest neighborhoods, torching dozens of cars, looting boutiques and smashing up luxury private homes and cafes in the worst disturbances the capital has seen since 1968.

A total of 263 people were injured nationwide, with 133 injured in the capital, including 23 members of the security forces.

President Emmanuel Macron arrives to inspect the damage a day after clashes during a protest in Paris, December 2, 2018. /VCG Photo

Arriving back from the G20 summit in Argentina, Macron had earlier rushed to the Arc de Triomphe, a revered monument and epicenter of Saturday's clashes, where protesters had scrawled "Macron resign" and "The yellow vests will triumph."

"I will never accept violence," Macron said. "No cause justifies that authorities are attacked, that businesses are plundered, that passersby or journalists are threatened or that the Arc du Triomphe is defiled."

Workers clean the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, December 2, 2018. /VCG Photo

Violent anarchist and far-right groups are thought to be behind Saturday's clashes. Police said they had arrested more than 400 people in Paris. Some 10,000 tear gas canisters and stun grenades were fired as well as water cannon as security forces fought for control.

Over the last few weeks, the "yellow vest" movement has morphed into a broad opposition front to Macron.

The violence has caused deep concern in the French business community which claims it has already lost billions of euros and is set to attend a meeting at the Economy Ministry on Monday.

A protester wears a Guy Fawkes mask during a protest of "yellow vests" in Paris, December 1, 2018. /VCG Photo

Government spokesperson Benjamin Griveaux had indicated the Macron administration was considering imposing a state of emergency. The president was open to dialogue, he said, but would not reverse policy reforms.

"We won't change course. We are certain of that," he told media.

Macron faces a dilemma in how to respond, not least because the "yellow vests" are a grassroots movement with no formal leaders and a wide range of demands.

His unyielding response has exposed him to charges of being out of touch with common folk outside of France's big cities who worry about the squeeze on household budgets and job security.

(Top image: French President Emmanuel Macron and ministers arrive to visit firefighters and riot police officers in Paris, December 2, 2018. /VCG)

Source(s): AFP ,Reuters