Macron blames far-left groups as France protests turn violent

France faced a major crisis on Sunday after violent protests over rising living costs resulted in around 2,400 arrests and widespread looting across multiple cities, with one resident describing the scene as "like we had a war." Police used tear gas and water cannons against masked protesters in Paris and other cities, while demonstrators set fires, damaged town halls, and looted shops, causing hundreds of millions of euros in losses to about 1,500 businesses. The historic Town Hall in Limoges, built in 1873, was largely destroyed by fire. President Emmanuel Macron condemned "unrestrained violence" and blamed "far-left groups" and criminals for the unrest, while acknowledging citizens' frustration. The protests were driven by the Yellow Vests movement and high school students, with about 57 percent of French people supporting the students' complaints, as France prepares for elections in six months.