Macron says "nothing justifies" the violence after weekend protests across France

More than 2,000 people were arrested, the Interior Ministry said, as cost-of-living protests turned violent in several cities.

Developing

French President Emmanuel Macron says "nothing justifies" the violence seen at weekend protests across France. Thousands marched over the cost of living on Saturday and Sunday. Some protests turned violent. More than 2,000 people were arrested, the Interior Ministry said. Authorities said about 550,000 people marched, while organisers put the number at about 800,000. Mr Macron spoke to the nation on Sunday night, Paris time. "Those who looted will have to pay back for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable," he said, France 24 reported. He said several hundred police had been hurt and the town hall in Limoges had been burned. The Prime Minister will lead a crisis team from Monday to help shopkeepers. Local officials may ban some gatherings. A man died of a heart attack, and prosecutors are investigating, France 24 reported. United States President Donald Trump posted "France is burning!" and linked the unrest to immigration. French authorities have not linked it to immigrants. Final arrest and injury numbers are still changing.