France: Lecornu Blames Far-Left and Delinquents for Unrest; Louvre Blocked

France is reeling from a weekend of violent protests, with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu attributing the unrest to far-left groups and common delinquents, while the Louvre museum in Paris was blocked by student demonstrators. The government has launched a major judicial operation and imposed curfews in some areas. The European Commission is in contact with French authorities over potential online incitement to violence, and has condemned the looting and attacks as unacceptable. At least 145 arrests were made in Paris, with over 2,000 businesses damaged nationwide, and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez offered his resignation, which President Emmanuel Macron refused. Macron has vowed that those who destroyed property will pay, while acknowledging the legitimate grievances of protesters. The unrest follows a national day of mobilization against the cost of living, with the "yellow vests" movement announcing a second act of protest for next Saturday.