French President Macron: Social media is harming our democracies

French President Emmanuel Macron visited the city of Marseille, which was affected by the Yellow Vests protests, and met with Mayor Benoit Payan. Stating that 80 shops were damaged in the protests on October 17 and 24, Macron announced that in order to ensure public order ahead of the union demonstrations planned for November 5, the demonstrations will be held outside city centers.

Macron argued that social media triggers acts of violence and increases social polarization, emphasizing that this cycle must be broken. During this visit, which took place six months before the presidential elections, he stated that he instructed the government to take into account the demands of high school students.

Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan, on the other hand, stated that individuals involved in acts of violence must be held accountable before the law. In the city, where new protests are expected on October 31, authorities are preparing to increase security measures.