France protests: 1,200 arrests as Macron vows to prosecute rioters

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed prosecution for those involved in arson, looting, and attacks on public buildings after violent clashes erupted across France during cost-of-living protests, resulting in over 1,200 arrests. The unrest marked a significant escalation in nationwide demonstrations. Police deployed tear gas and water cannon in Paris and other cities as masked demonstrators set cars alight, ransacked businesses, and damaged town halls, including a roof collapse in Limoges. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported 60 officers injured, while Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu blamed ultraleft groups and backed a bill making vandals pay for damages. The CGT union estimated 550,000 protesters participated, though many marched peacefully demanding higher wages and better services. The violence occurred amid political uncertainty before the next presidential election, with a demonstrator in Saint-Etienne reportedly losing a hand to a police grenade.