France’s Macron vows to hold accountable those who ‘sought to bring down the Republic’ during major protests

French officials are considering a state of emergency and curfews in response to violent protests sweeping the country, officials said Monday. Widespread anti-government demonstrations across French cities turned into riots, causing damage to historic landmarks and arrest of thousands. The unrest originated as protests over school conditions in young people, but escalated into national demonstrations over rising living costs and declining public services.

In Limoges, the 19th-century town hall was burned down by rioters who disrupted marches across the nation. Nearly 2,500 people have been arrested, according to France's Interior Ministry. President Emmanuel Macron vowed that those attempting to undermine the republic will be held accountable in a Sunday evening address. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu blamed an "ultra-left movement" for orchestrating the disorder as the protests targeted the presidential election in April.

Lecornu stated that police had lost control during the unrest, and curfews might be imposed regionally to protect businesses. He emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding the democratic process and preventing violent minorities from influencing the election. Lecornu acknowledged that the students' protests over classroom conditions were legitimate, but warned that the freedom to demonstrate was being undermined.

While French officials haven't linked the unrest to immigration, President Trump suggested otherwise on social media, calling for France's borders to be closed fast. The capital, Paris, experienced the worst unrest, with debris and burned vehicles littering the streets. However, severe damage was reported across the country, with heritage sites like Limoges' historic town hall and a famous square in Lyon's city center suffering significant destruction.