France Considers State of Emergency as Protests Turn Violent

France faces its worst unrest in years after protests over education and the cost of living turned violent, prompting the government to announce a large-scale judicial operation and consider a state of emergency. Over 2,000 people were arrested, with at least two deaths reported. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the crackdown as riots spread across the country, including arson attacks on shops and public buildings. President Emmanuel Macron vowed that those who destroyed or looted would pay, while promising meetings this week to discuss protesters' demands. More than 500,000 people protested on Saturday, mostly peacefully, but violence erupted at night in several cities. Similar cost-of-living demonstrations are now spreading to neighboring countries, with authorities in Marseille banning gatherings amid fears of further unrest.