Macron hit with criticism for attending Celine Dion concert before violent riots broke out

French President Emmanuel Macron has been hit with criticism from social media users for attending a Celine Dion concert Friday night before violent riots broke out on Saturday.

He called for "calm and respect" prior to Saturday’s planned protests. 

On Sunday, Macron said "nothing justifies" the "unbridled" violence at the protests.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned organized groups that "exploit demonstrations to seek confrontation and sow chaos."

"Once again, the women and men of the Law Enforcement Forces have had to face the violence of criminals who, even through organized groups, exploit demonstrations to seek confrontation and sow chaos," she posted on X.

She added, "Because they were there to safeguard the safety of citizens, workers, merchants and all the people who have the right to live [in] their city without fear and without seeing it laid to waste and set ablaze by gangs of thugs," she continued. "We stand with you."