French riots overwhelm government as violence spreads nationwide

France is experiencing unprecedented violence, arson, and looting during protests, overwhelming the government, which blames a presidential candidate for the unrest. The mayor of Limoges expressed grief after the town hall was set ablaze, calling the destruction an attack on national institutions. The riots have shocked officials, with Mayor Guillaume Guérin fighting back tears as he condemned the "stupidity and hatred" directed at the French flag and public buildings. The government's response appears strained, as it struggles to contain the escalating chaos across multiple cities. The unrest marks a new level of severity in French protest movements, with the government's accusation against a presidential candidate adding a political dimension to the crisis. The events highlight growing tensions between demonstrators and state authorities.