France's State Collapse Fears Grow as Protests Intensify

France is bracing for another weekend of violent protests following widespread riots, looting, and arson that have shattered public trust in the state. The interior minister has promised a massive police deployment, with army support and police reservists on alert, as citizens report feeling the state has collapsed. Shops are organizing self-defense, and sales of self-defense weapons have surged since the unrest. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin warned against "vigilante justice," while young looters in a radio report announced plans for new raids on Paris. Over 600 police were injured, and the minister admitted the government "undoubtedly failed." The unrest stems from deep social and economic grievances, including high living costs and fuel prices, with unions calling for a general strike in November. The government faces a financial crisis with debt servicing as its largest budget item, while President Macron's political camp is fracturing ahead of 2027 elections.