Hollande says police were overwhelmed and calls for swift restoration of civil peace

Speaking on social media, François Hollande asserted that law-enforcement agencies were overwhelmed and that the government could not guarantee public order across the country. He noted that the mayors of Paris, Lyon and Marseille have voiced concerns over a lack of police presence during the recent disturbances and have requested a meeting with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Hollande stressed the urgency of restoring civil peace and national stability ahead of a critical political deadline.

He urged authorities to open serious talks with youth organisations and major unions to discuss the issues that fueled the large-scale demonstrations, including student demands and purchasing-power anxieties. The former president also condemned ultra-violent groups and disguised looters, calling for their strict condemnation. Local officials, including Lamia El Aaraje, Grégory Doucet and Benoît Payan, echoed the call for accountability and better policing.