Macron vows rioters will pay after France unrest leaves 2,400 arrested

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed strict punishment for rioters, declaring "those who destroyed must pay," after nationwide protests over living costs descended into France's worst unrest in years, with 2,400 arrested and two dead. The violence, which Macron blamed on far-left factions and delinquents, included arson attacks on buildings, looting of businesses, and clashes with police in cities like Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and Limoges. Over 600 officers were injured, and a police officer and a protester died in separate incidents. Macron distinguished peaceful demonstrators from violent elements and ordered government talks with stakeholders this week. The unrest has deepened political divisions ahead of the next presidential election, with far-right and left-wing leaders criticizing his administration's response.