Macron vows uncompromising response to French violence, mulls banning gatherings

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a "merciless" government response to weekend violence across France and suggested some types of public gatherings could be banned, during a national address at 8 p.m. Macron said authorities would respond uncompromisingly to those who burned buildings and damaged property. He also expressed understanding for young people's frustration with education quality, which sparked the protests, and announced government work with schools, universities, teacher unions, and other organizations to address their complaints. The protests began over education concerns but escalated into widespread violence over the weekend. Macron's address came as France faced multiple incidents of unrest, with the government now considering restrictions on certain assemblies to restore order.