Macron did not accept the resignation of French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez amid protests

Reuters, citing the Élysée Palace press service, reported that Macron did not accept Nuñez’s resignation and asked him to remain in office in order to ensure continuity of command of the law enforcement forces. The French president also asked the interior minister to develop new approaches to fighting looters as quickly as possible.

On the evening of October 18, Macron addressed the nation and condemned the violence. “We all feel anger and shame”, he said, adding that “destruction is not a form of expression”.

At the same time, the French president stressed that the voices of the protesters must be heard and did not impose a state of emergency in the country, although some politicians called for it. He also said that prefects may ban protest actions if necessary to protect public buildings and local businesses.

On October 17, protests took place in France, in which several hundred thousand people participated across the country. The demonstrators opposed rising living costs, demanded better school conditions, and changes to the university admissions system.

In a number of cities, the protests turned into riots: demonstrators set cars on fire and smashed shops. Nearly 1,000 law enforcement officers were injured in the clashes, and according to the Interior Ministry, by the morning of October 19 police had detained at least 2,400 people.

Sources

• Material: meduza.io