Macron condemns 'unprecedented violence' as 800,000 join French protests
French President Emmanuel Macron said the nation feels "anger and shame" after Saturday's protests, which saw around 800,000 participants and 2,000 arrests amid rioting, arson, and looting across multiple cities. Macron condemned the "unprecedented violence" in a Sunday address, vowing to punish those involved in destruction while acknowledging most protesters marched peacefully. Violent clashes injured 107 police officers in Marseille, and Limoges' 19th-century City Hall roof collapsed after being set ablaze. The unrest began in September over high school conditions and grew into a nationwide cost-of-living movement. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused the prime minister of "playing with fire," while similar protests in Albania led to 388 criminal charges.