Macron admits: "We didn't see it coming…"

“We did not expect this at all. October 17 was unexpected. The authorities were taken by surprise by the sheer number of far-left activists who mobilized in the early hours of the morning,” Macron said during a visit to Marseille, according to BFM.

The French president emphasized that the police presence had been inadequate.

He stated that the government was currently maintaining the Republic and public order without declaring a state of emergency.

Macron assessed that next Saturday would be risky and that demonstration routes would be kept outside city centers.

He also announced major initiatives for high school students, with “projects to be launched within a very short timeframe.”

The French president said he had also asked the government to address the legitimate demands at the heart of the current social movement.

He made the statement to reporters while standing alongside the mayor of Marseille, praising what he described as the excellent work of law enforcement officers in Marseille last Saturday, as well as across the country.

He explained that he was visiting Marseille today to show his support for the mayor and his team following the violence that took place in the city on October 17.

Macron arrived at Marseille City Hall around noon, where he surveyed the damage caused by the violence.