Macron vows French looters will pay for the damage as arrests near 2,400 after riots across France
President Emmanuel Macron blamed 'insurrectionist elements from radical far-left groups, joined by numerous criminals' for the violence. He told the nation: 'Nothing justifies it, nothing excuses it.' Prosecutors have been directed to pursue the most stringent action available. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is to chair crisis talks on Monday, and a review will examine police and intelligence failings.
Rioters gutted Limoges's 19th-century city hall, collapsing its roof and clock tower.
Saturday's clashes left roughly 600 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters with injuries.
Mayors and prefects will be empowered to ban gatherings where necessary.
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The IndependentMacron reacts to ‘unprecedented violence’ in French protestsBBC NewsMacron calls for calm in France and warns rioting must not escalateWashington TimesMacron condemns those who ‘sought to bring down the Republic’ after rioting mars nationwide protestsReutersMacron condemns "shocking" scenes of violence across FranceLBCMacron condemns 'violent' riots in France and promises to help young people build a 'desirable future' - as arrest toll hits 2,000The Sun'How can French people do this?' Macron blasts rioters over violent protestsGB NewsFrance plunged into CRISIS mode as Emmanuel Macron laments 'anger and shame' of violent unrestHuffPostMacron To Address Nation After Riots And Looting Lead To 1,800 Arrests Across FranceDaily Mail AUShocking images emerge from Paris amid night of devastationThe SunEurope in chaos as protesters ‘wage war’ in ANOTHER night of violenceReutersFrance's Macron declines interior minister's offer to resignThe TelegraphFrance is burning. Britain is next