Macron Addresses Security Failures Amid Violent Protests

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned security failures during nationwide protests over rising living costs that escalated into violence. He rejected the resignation of Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, who admitted that police had "lost control" during the demonstrations.

The Elysee Palace reported Macron criticized the “failures in anticipation and intelligence” by authorities, following the unrest that resulted in nearly 2,400 arrests and injuries to almost 1,000 police officers and gendarmes. Nunez acknowledged the authorities’ “lack of anticipation” and offered his resignation, feeling accountable for the incidents.

Despite this, Macron directed him to investigate the circumstances leading to the violence and implement new operational methods for security forces. The protests, reminiscent of the 2018–2019 Yellow Vest movement, saw tens of thousands participating, with the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) estimating 500,000 nationwide.

The scale of police deployment was also questioned, with initial reports suggesting only 10,000 officers were present, later corrected to 60,000.