French Prime Minister confirms his government will not allow any political agenda to be imposed through violence

London, October 17 (KUNA) -- French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu affirmed that his government would not allow any political agenda to be imposed through acts of violence amid escalating protests in France over the rising cost of living and other issues. French media quoted Lecornu as saying that his message to those clearly seeking to use violence “as a prelude” to the presidential elections is that “we will not allow ourselves to be intimidated, and no one will impose their political agenda through violence.” He also expressed his support for security forces and police officers who are facing “excessive violence.” He added that “people have the right to protest peacefully, but there is no place for setting buildings on fire, looting property, or committing various forms of assault.” Earlier today, French security forces arrested hundreds of protesters who had stormed government buildings and set fire to several facilities in a number of cities, including the capital, Paris. France has been experiencing renewed demonstrations for several weeks in protest against the rising cost of living and other local issues, with the government and President Emmanuel Macron held responsible for the deterioration of conditions in the country. (End) M.R.N. / M.M.J.