Newstalk Breakfast reports on severe civil unrest in France, where over 2,000 people were arrested following clashes between protesters and police. Guest Jamie Smith-Mayer describes widespread looting and arson across major cities, noting that while hundreds of thousands marched peacefully, violent "casseurs" caused significant damage to businesses and public buildings. The discussion covers the political fallout, including accusations that police were underprepared and calls for the Interior Minister’s resignation, which President Macron has rejected to maintain public order.