Macron Vows Punishment for Those Who Sought to Bring Down the Republic
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned nationwide riots and looting during cost-of-living and school condition protests, vowing that those who "sought to bring down the Republic" will face consequences. Police arrested at least 1,800 people. Macron blamed "unbridled violence" on "insurrectional elements of radical far-left groups, joined by numerous delinquents" in a televised address. He held an emergency meeting with senior officials after masked protesters set fires and attacked public buildings, including town halls, in several cities. Around 550,000 people participated in protests across France, with organizers counting 800,000. The unrest recalled the 2018 "yellow vest" movement, with looting reported in Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Bordeaux. One person died of a heart attack, and a 17-year-old girl lost an eye in eastern France.