Nationwide unrest leaves trail of destruction

Saturday's protests over school conditions and rising living costs saw nearly two thousand four hundred arrests and nine hundred ninety seven police and gendarmes injured in clashes with masked demonstrators who looted shops and offices…

Serious injuries during the violence

In Mulhouse, eastern France, a seventeen year old girl lost an eye during the protests. In Saint-Etienne, south-eastern France, a seventeen year old had his hand blown off by a grenade thrown by security forces.

Macron condemns the destruction

President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation on Sunday, saying there is nothing that justifies the violence.He told the country: we are all feeling anger and shame tonight.

“There is nothing that justifies it. Nothing that explains it. Nothing that excuses it.”

Judges will hand out punishments

Macron said judges would deliver legal sanctions in the name of the French people.Those who broke things must pay and pay back, he said.They will answer for what they have done to the Republic.

“Every time crimes are committed, they need to give rise to legal sanctions.”

Town halls and public buildings targeted

In Marseille, two dozen protesters broke into the town hall and smashed statues and furniture.

Macron distinguishes rioters from protesters

Macron said there are legitimate claims about cost of living and fuel prices, and authorities must not confuse demonstrators with rioters.

“There are legitimate claims about the cost of living and the price of fuel.”

Opposition attacks government response

Jordan Bardella, leader of the National Rally, called the government cowardly and said it has nothing left to offer the French people.

“This cowardly and disoriented government has nothing left to say to the French people.”

Macron heads to Gulf amid crisis

Macron confirmed he would leave Monday for a four nation tour of the Gulf to secure fuel and gas supplies.