Macron Vows Strict Action After Violent Protests Over Living Costs in France

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed strict action and full transparency after nationwide protests over living costs turned violent, resulting in two deaths. He said "nothing justifies" the violence and that "those who destroyed must pay." The protests, drawing an estimated 550,000 people, erupted over fuel prices, living costs, and deteriorating public services. Macron blamed radical far-left groups and criminal elements for destruction, including a torched town hall in Limoges and hundreds of looted businesses. A police officer and a protester were among the dead. Macron distinguished between protesters with "legitimate demands" and those who "destroyed, smashed, and looted." Police used tear gas and stun grenades in Paris, while authorities probe the protester's death near the capital.