Macron Rejects Nuñez’s Resignation Amid Nationwide Riots

​French President Emmanuel Macron has refused the resignation of Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez following a weekend of unprecedented civil unrest, violent protests, and widespread looting that paralyzed major cities across France.

​Nuñez tendered his resignation on Sunday after acknowledging tactical failures and a temporary “loss of control” by security forces in cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Limoges. However, the Élysée Palace announced on Monday that the president rejected the exit, emphasizing the critical “need for continued command of law enforcement” while the country grapples with the ongoing security crisis.

​The nationwide demonstrations—initially sparked by public anger over the soaring cost of living and deteriorating conditions in public schools—drew over half a million protesters. The demonstrations quickly spiraled into intense clashes, resulting in nearly 2,400 arrests, roughly 1,500 targeted businesses suffering from looting and arson, and severe structural damage, including the near-total destruction of the historic city hall in Limoges.

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​While keeping Nuñez at his post to stabilize public order, Macron has demanded immediate transparency regarding intelligence and operational gaps, instructing the interior ministry to overhaul security tactics to curb further barricades and destruction.