Macron calls for calm as nationwide protests over rising costs turn violent

Paris, Oct. 19 (UNI) French President Emmanuel Macron has called for "calm and order" after nationwide protests over rising living costs, education funding and deteriorating public services escalated into riots, looting and deadly violence. In a televised address from the Élysée Palace, Macron urged protesters not to escalate the situation, saying, "We all feel anger and shame." He stressed that a distinction must be made between the "legitimate demands" of demonstrators and those responsible for destruction and looting. According to the information provided, more than 550,000 people took to the streets across France on Saturday. While most demonstrations remained peaceful,…