Macron condemns vandalism in French protests: 'Nothing justifies it'

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence during nationwide protests, stating "nothing justifies" the scenes of vandalism that occurred alongside peaceful marches against the high cost of living. He made the remarks in a televised address after a Cabinet meeting at the Élysée Palace. Around 2,400 people have been arrested and over 1,000 police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters injured, according to the French Interior Ministry. Macron distinguished between agitators responsible for vandalism and looting, and hundreds of thousands of peaceful demonstrators, blaming "factional elements of small far-left groups" and criminals for the destruction. The protests have become a key political barometer six months before the presidential election, with political leaders trading blame. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu accused the France Unbowed party of sowing distrust, while far-right leader Marine Le Pen blamed the far-left and criticized Macron's administration as "exhausted, disoriented, and out of breath."