Macron vows legal action against perpetrators of violence in France protests

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday vowed legal action against those responsible for violence during protests across the country on Saturday, reported Xinhua.

"Those who destroyed must pay. Those who looted must reimburse," Macron said in a televised address, pledging judicial proceedings over offenses committed during the violence.

He voiced support for law enforcement officers, elected officials and shopkeepers affected by the violence, adding that Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu would chair a crisis unit Monday to mobilize "the fastest possible assistance" and support those affected.

He called on the government to draw all the lessons from Saturday's violence, particularly regarding intelligence gathering and anticipation, to ensure such incidents "cannot happen again."

Meanwhile, Macron said he understood the "deep anxiety" expressed by young people in recent weeks at high schools and universities, adding that over the coming week, the government would work with students, teachers, trade unions, employers' organizations and officials to develop responses to young people's concerns.

Macron said the protests also reflected public concerns over the cost of living and fuel prices. He said the government was doing its utmost to address the key issue of residents' purchasing power.

Around 550,000 people took part in protests across France on Saturday. According to local media reports, the demonstrations brought together farmers, climate activists, trade unions and students, who voiced demands concerning fuel prices, the cost of living, education and public services.

A total of 2,397 people were arrested during the protests, which were marred by violence, according to figures released by the French Interior Ministry on Sunday. A total of 997 police officers and gendarmes were injured, seven of them seriously.

Since September, France has witnessed multiple rounds of mass student protests demanding better educational conditions.

News agency ANI adds: Violent confrontations broke out between security forces and demonstrators in the capital and various regions across the country on Saturday, coinciding with nationwide marches opposing escalating inflation. Demonstrators ignited fires at multiple sites, while thieves broke into dozens of commercial outlets.

The civil disturbance followed weeks of student-led rallies. Tens of thousands of citizens marched through the eastern and northern sectors of Paris during a prominent demonstration on Saturday, chanting slogans such as "Everyone hates the police" and "Macron, resign."

Demonstrators also set fire to a tourist information centre in central Lyon and forced entry into town halls in Marseille and Lille, vandalising the interiors before leaving, according to France 24. Numerous commercial stores were looted, particularly across Marseille.

More than 300 demonstrators attempted to advance towards the Champs-Elysees in Paris, an area housing several flagship high-end boutiques, while chanting "all cops are bastards" as security units deployed tear gas to halt their progress.