French President Emmanuel Macron delivered his first address to the nation since unprecedented violent riots erupted across the country's major cities, breaking days of silence as unrest continued in the streets.
Paris, Marseille and Lyon have seen scenes of chaos in recent days, with widespread looting, arson and attacks, while the French government maintained what critics called a deafening silence in the face of the escalating crisis.
The president himself drew sharp criticism after he was photographed enjoying champagne and a private Celine Dion concert while the streets of his capital burned. Young rioters and migrants ransacked shops, set fires and attacked property across France's cities as authorities appeared paralyzed.
"We all feel great shame this evening," Macron told the French people in his address. "It is intolerable to see our streets pillaged. Those who destroyed will be forced to pay, those who looted will be forced to return what they took."
But many remain skeptical of the president's promises, including some of his own supporters, after days of inaction as the violence spiraled out of control.
