Brief
Macron criticised for attending Celine Dion concert as French riots turn violent
Macron and his wife were at a concert in Nanterre as demonstrations over living costs erupted into clashes, looting and fires across France.
By Felo News Desk · Published
French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte attended a Celine Dion concert at the Plenitude Arena in Nanterre on Friday night, drawing criticism as nationwide protests escalated into violent riots on Saturday, according to Fox News.
What happened
The concert, attended by roughly 35,000 spectators, took place after Macron spent Thursday and Friday in Brussels for a European Council meeting. While he called for "calm and respect" at a Brussels news conference, demonstrations the next day over rising living costs, school conditions and public‑service cuts turned into clashes with police, fires, looting and attacks on public buildings in several cities. French authorities reported nearly 1,800 arrests nationwide, including 855 in the Paris region, and more than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters injured. One protester died of cardiac arrest in Paris. Fires were set deliberately at the historic town hall in Limoges, and shops were looted in Paris, Bordeaux, Marseille, Lyon and other cities. Organisers estimated 800,000 participants, while officials put the figure at about 550,000.
What the reports add
Fox News noted that the president condemned the destruction on X, promising prosecution for those who damaged property, attacked public buildings or looted businesses. The outlet also highlighted that Macron’s statement came after the violence spread, raising questions about the government’s preparedness. No other outlet is cited in the source.
What was said
During the Brussels press conference, Macron said the right to protest must be exercised with respect for people and property. After the riots, he wrote on X that those responsible for damaging property, attacking public buildings and looting would face prosecution and punishment, and expressed support for law‑enforcement personnel.
How it came about
The unrest stemmed from a month‑long student movement over school conditions and teacher shortages in working‑class suburbs, which later broadened to include grievances over the cost of living and public‑service cuts. Earlier Felo News coverage linked the protests to a surge in arrests and school closures, and noted Macron’s emergency televised address on October 18.
Key facts
- Macron and Brigitte attended a Celine Dion concert in Nanterre on Friday night. (foxnews.com)
- Nearly 1,800 people were arrested nationwide during the Saturday riots, including 855 in the Paris region. (foxnews.com)
- More than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured. (foxnews.com)
- A protester died of cardiac arrest in Paris. (foxnews.com)
- The historic town hall in Limoges was deliberately set on fire. (foxnews.com)
Sources
- [1] foxnews.com — originally reported as “Where's Macron? French leader blasted for attending concert as riots escalated”
