French Government Vows to Resist Protest Violence as Unrest Spreads

The French government says it will not be intimidated by violence during nationwide protests, with Prime Minister Lecornu stating no one will impose their political agenda through force. President Macron vowed that perpetrators will be prosecuted and punished. Hundreds of thousands protested over education, costs, and government policy, with most demonstrations peaceful. However, violence erupted in several cities, including a historic town hall set ablaze in Limoges. Interior Minister Nuñez reported 550,000 protesters, 400 arrests, and 60 injured police officers. Officials blame far-left groups for organizing the violence, linking it to next year's presidential election. The government promises vandals will pay for damages. A demonstrator in Saint-Étienne lost a hand to a police grenade, despite a recent ban on flash-balls after a similar incident.