The first lady of France denounced the “cowardice” and the “stupidity” of a physical attack against her great-nephew which occurred on the sidelines of a demonstration against the pension reform.
Police said eight people had been arrested in the northern French town of Amiens in connection with Monday’s attack.
Jean-Baptiste Trogneux, 30, who runs a family chocolate factory, reportedly walked to his apartment above his store when he was targeted.
His father, Jean-Alexandre Trogneux, said the attackers insulted “the president, his wife and our family” before fleeing.
In a rare statement, Brigitte Macron denounced “the cowardice, stupidity and violence” of the attack.
“I stand in complete solidarity with my family and have been in constant contact since 11pm yesterday,” she said.
“I have repeatedly denounced this kind of violence which can only lead to the worst.”
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In the meantime, French President Emmanuel Macron called the violence “unacceptable” as he gave a speech in Iceland.
The president told French television channel TF1 on Monday evening that he would press ahead with unpopular pension reforms that would raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
The reforms were approved by France’s highest constitutional court in April.
The plans sparked widespread protests after Mr Macron’s government invoked Article 49.3 to ram the changes through without a vote from MPs.
Protesters clashed with police shortly after the court ruling was announced, with tear gas used on a group of protesters in Lyon, while bicycles were also set on fire in the French capital, Paris.
