France's worst unrest in years: Macron vows crackdown as protests over spending cuts turn violent

France experienced its worst unrest in years this weekend as protests over living costs and public services turned violent, with nearly 2,400 arrests and about 1,000 police injured, prompting President Macron to vow an "uncompromising" response. The demonstrations erupted Saturday across cities, with 550,000 marching peacefully while fringe groups looted shops, burned buildings including Limoges' town hall, and clashed with police. The unrest precedes Tuesday's budget vote on €54 billion in savings, as France's debt hits a record €3.6 trillion. Macron ordered a review of intelligence and police preparedness, and will convene stakeholders this week for proposals. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen and far-left rival Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticized the government, while one protester died of cardiac arrest in Paris.