France: Paris attack aimed at destabilising country in its 'decisive hours' - Macron

Following Thursday evening's police shooting in Paris, French independent presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron stated that the attack was aimed at destabilising the country "in its decisive hours when the French people are expected to decide on their future," speaking in Rouen, Friday.

Macron argued that "it is the democracy that is targeted" and that "it is our cohesion that they are trying to destroy" before adding that "under these circumstances, the most important role of the President of the Republic as Chief of the Army and guard of the institutions is to protect the people of France."

SOT, Emmanuel Macron, French independent presidential candidate (French): "We are aware of the meaning of this attack. The terrorist's wish was to destabilise the country in its decisive hours when the French people are expected to decide on their future. At the end of the day, it is the democracy that is targeted. It is our cohesion that they are trying to destroy. They want to give a resolute punch to our values. Under these circumstances, the most important role of the president of the Republic as Chief of the Army and guard of the institutions is to protect the people of France."