France's Barricaded Cities Mask Deep Tensions After Protests

France remains under severe tension despite largely peaceful protests on Saturday, with 410,000 marchers according to the Interior Ministry, though violence erupted in several cities and over 1,000 arrests were made. President Emmanuel Macron sparked controversy Friday by falsely claiming the Trappes attack was the first terrorist act targeting people for their skin color or religion, a statement he quickly corrected. Clashes broke out in Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Grenoble, with pillaging reported and weapons seized. The country faces barricaded cities, closed businesses, and heightened security with six months until the presidential election. Political discourse has deteriorated into invective, leaving many French citizens questioning how the next president can pacify a deeply fractured society.