Macron Rejects French Interior Minister’s Resignation After Violent Protests

French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged “failures in anticipation and intelligence” following violent protests over the weekend. However, Macron rejected Interior Minister Laurent Nunez’s resignation over the unrest, which spread across the country.

French opposition politicians called for Nunez to be removed after demonstrations against the cost of living turned violent, with arson and looting over the weekend. The unrest was among the worst episodes of urban violence in France in recent years.

According to data from France’s Interior Ministry, nearly 2,400 people were arrested on Saturday (17 October), while around 1,000 police officers and security personnel were injured.

The protests saw clashes between demonstrators and police, as well as mass looting and arson in various areas.

The demonstrations were sparked by public anger over the rising cost of living, deteriorating public services and inadequate conditions in schools.

The French presidential palace, the Élysée, announced, according to AFP and Reuters on Monday (19 October 2026), that Nunez had submitted his resignation, but Macron had decided to reject it.

“The Minister of the Interior submitted his resignation to the President on Sunday (18 October),” the Élysée said in a statement.

“Given the need for continued leadership in law enforcement at this time, the President has rejected the resignation,” the statement added.

According to the Élysée, Macron asked Nunez to remain in office to ensure continuity in the chain of command within the police and security forces.

Macron instructed Nunez to take whatever steps were necessary, while acknowledging “failures” that had allowed the protests to descend into unrest.

“Take all necessary measures to ensure transparency regarding the failures in planning and intelligence that led to this violence,” Macron told Nunez.

The Élysée said Macron also instructed Nunez to “introduce new operational methods for the security forces” in responding to the crisis.

Nationwide demonstrations in France turned into riots on Saturday (17 October), with a town hall set alight, shops looted and buildings covered in graffiti. Clashes broke out again in France and Marseille on Sunday (18 October), when riot police were deployed to prevent further looting.