Macron vows severe punishment for rioters after France protests over schools and living costs

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed Sunday to impose severe legal punishments on rioters who caused widespread destruction across France during Saturday protests over school conditions and living costs. He promised judges would deliver sanctions in the name of the French people. Nearly 2,400 arrests were made and 997 police and gendarmes were injured in clashes with masked demonstrators who looted shops and offices. Two teenagers were seriously hurt, including one who lost an eye and another whose hand was blown off by a grenade. Macron condemned the violence as unjustifiable and announced support for affected businesses, while distinguishing legitimate grievances from criminal acts. He confirmed a Gulf trip to secure fuel supplies and pledged to listen to striking students' demands.