Paris:French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has criticized the government for its handling of the Yellow Vests protests, claiming it has "lost control of everything" following violent demonstrations on October 17 against high living costs.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, stated that the unrest was foreseeable, yet authorities failed to prepare adequately. She emphasized the predictability of the events that unfolded on Saturday, accusing the government of being unable to maintain control in what she described as a "collapsing state."

Le Pen urged prosecutors to exhibit "absolute firmness" toward those responsible for looting during the protests and insisted they be held financially accountable for the damage. She proposed that compensation could be deducted from benefits or wages and suggested that parents of minors would be liable for their children's actions. Le Pen believes that the financial burden on perpetrators would deter future attacks on property.

She also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of nighttime curfews imposed in various cities, including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, questioning whether they were responsible for any reductions in unrest. Despite suggestions of boycotting, Le Pen confirmed that the National Rally would participate in a meeting with Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and other political parties.

The October 17 protests, supported by students, resulted in approximately 2,500 detentions and injuries to over 1,000 police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters. Additionally, about 3,000 businesses suffered damage, with public buildings such as Limoges town hall and Lyon's tourist office being set on fire. Criticism from business owners over the government's crisis management led to the introduction of localized curfews starting October 19 in several cities, including Paris, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, and Nice. The movement has announced plans for new protests on October 24.