# Macron vows justice for rioters as France reels from protests

> Nearly 2,400 arrested after Saturday's nationwide unrest over schools and living costs left shops looted, town halls burned and 997 police injured.
- Title: Macron vows justice for rioters as France reels from protests
- Summary: Nearly 2,400 arrested after Saturday's nationwide unrest over schools and living costs left shops looted, town halls burned and 997 police injured. President…
- Keywords: emmanuel macron, france, protests, rioting, schools, cost of living, police, national rally, france unbowed, news, world, Macron
- Source: RFI — https://rfi.fr/en/france/20261018-macron-promises-tough-punishments-for-rioters-during-nationwide-day-of-action
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: emmanuel macron, france, protests, rioting, schools, cost of living, police, national rally, france unbowed, news, world
## 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.
## Key takeaway

President Macron promised tough justice for rioters who damaged French towns during Saturday's protests over school conditions and cost of living, while distinguishing between legitimate demonstrators and violent vandals.