Macron Condemns Violent Protests in France, Vows Consequences for Perpetrators

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Sunday the violent protests that erupted across France on Saturday, describing the unrest as unjustifiable and promising that perpetrators will face consequences. Macron distinguished between peaceful demonstrators protesting the rising cost of living and those he called extremists and criminals who vandalized buildings and looted shops. He acknowledged the legitimacy of concerns over fuel prices, which he attributed to the Gulf conflict, and announced plans to travel to Gulf countries to secure energy supplies. Over 2,400 people were arrested by Sunday evening. Macron defended police actions, saying they "did their duty," while requesting Interior Minister Laurent Nunez to draw lessons from the events, particularly regarding intelligence gathering. He also announced meetings this week with students, teachers, and unions to address youth concerns about their future.