French President Emmanuel Macron said a new wave of protests planned for this weekend could become 'risky', adding that protest routes would remain outside city centres to protect public order. (EPA Images pic)MARSEILLE: President Emmanuel Macron on Monday accused social media of "damaging our democracies", as he lamented the turmoil France faces ahead of an election to pick his successor, as authorities grapple with nationwide cost-of-living protests that have spilled over into violence.
At the same time, the outgoing French president sought to project an image of a government firmly in control, calling for the looting and vandalism seen on Oct 17 to "never" happen again.
France has been rocked by widespread anger over the rising cost of living, with nationwide demonstrations on Oct 17 degenerating into some of the country's worst rioting in years.
