French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to deliver a televised address at 1800 GMT on Sunday following a meeting with government ministers, according to an announcement from the Elysee Palace. The national broadcast comes in the wake of severe unrest that shook various parts of the country during nationwide demonstrations.
Saturday's protests degenerated into widespread clashes, arson, and looting, leaving authorities to assess the significant property damage and disruption. Government ministers have attributed the destructive behavior to ultra-left groups. The unrest follows four weeks of earlier demonstrations by high school students that also experienced occasional violent episodes.
The demonstrations were fueled by mounting cost-of-living concerns driven by soaring global fuel prices and inflation. These economic pressures have intensified following the conflict in the Middle East that began after attacks involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in February.
The domestic turmoil unfolds just six months ahead of the French elections to choose Macron's successor. Despite the ongoing crisis at home, the French president remained scheduled to depart on Monday for a three-day diplomatic tour covering four Arab nations in the Gulf region.