Brief

Macron vows to block protesters who try to cause chaos in France

Macron criticised foreign leaders’ comments and promised a security crackdown ahead of Saturday’s cost‑of‑living protests.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:46:16 GMT

French President Emmanuel Macron told reporters in Doha that anyone planning to "cause chaos" during the cost‑of‑living protests scheduled for Saturday will be stopped, after foreign leaders made unsubstantiated statements about the unrest.

Macron said he would consult French intelligence services before the protests and that there had been no visible foreign interference, though he warned of manipulation of information after the events. He described the upcoming demonstrations as a risk to "calm, security and order" and pledged to adopt all necessary measures.

The president also condemned what he called "unacceptable and even stupid comments" from foreign leaders, referring to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who linked the protests to immigration and extremist Islam without providing evidence.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a "massive deployment" of police, backed by the military, and said a state of emergency was not yet required. More than half a million people are expected to gather across France, with at least 2,500 arrests already recorded after riots and looting in some areas.

Key facts

Macron said protesters planning to cause chaos will be stopped (aljazeera.com)
He will meet French intelligence services before Saturday's protests (aljazeera.com)
Macron criticised comments by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu as unfounded (aljazeera.com)
Prime Minister Lecornu pledged a massive police deployment backed by the military (aljazeera.com)
More than half a million people are expected to protest, with 2,500 arrests already made (aljazeera.com)