Macron to address France after riots and looting lead to 1,800 arrests

abcnews.com —

French President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation Sunday after at least 1,800 people were arrested in riots and looting during nationwide protests over living costs and school conditions. The unrest marks one of France's most violent protest days in years. Authorities reported clashes with police, arson attacks on public buildings, and looting of hundreds of businesses in cities including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux. About 550,000 people protested, according to officials, with organizers estimating 800,000. One person died of a heart attack, and Paris police reported 855 arrests in the capital region. The demonstrations, called by unions and student groups, sought to revive the "yellow vest" movement from 2018. Political leaders traded blame ahead of next spring's presidential election, while U.S. President Donald Trump posted "France is burning!" on social media. French authorities attributed some violence to "radical far-left groups" and looters.


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