Mayors condemn recent riots and call for a united response

Following demonstrations against the increasing cost of living that escalated into riots across multiple cities, the Association des maires de France called on mayors and any supportive civic groups to convene in front of town halls. The organization warned that such severe attacks on democratic institutions pose a genuine threat to the nation and stressed the need to re-establish order so that civil liberties can be upheld.

In several locations, mayors reported extensive property damage, including attacks on around thirty shops, smashed bus stops, vehicles set alight and broken windows at town halls. Grenoble mayor Laurence Ruffin, who initially observed a large, peaceful protest, later expressed anger at the destruction of public symbols and the undermining of the social movement. The mayors’ appeal seeks to unite local authorities and citizens to counteract the disorder and safeguard democratic values.