Macron vows firm response after violent protests across France

France is in shock after Saturday's protests by youth, unions, and yellow vests turned violent, with thousands of shops vandalized nationwide, particularly in Paris, where cars and urban furniture were burned. Nearly 2,400 people were arrested and about 1,000 police officers injured in clashes with rioters. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence, blaming far-left agitators and delinquents for acts like the torching of Limoges city hall and the Marseille tourism office, while vowing that perpetrators will pay and distinguishing them from peaceful protesters. He also expressed understanding for young people's anxieties and called for a dignified presidential election campaign in six months. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will meet parties and unions to condemn the violence, while opposition leaders criticized Macron's address, with Jordan Bardella calling it "lamentable" and Bruno Retailleau urging a state of emergency.