French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected the resignation of Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez following days of severe nationwide protests and rioting that resulted in thousands of arrests across the country.
The unrest, which marked some of the worst civil disturbance in France in years, began as demonstrations supporting high school students advocating for better school conditions. The movement subsequently converged with broader public anger over high living costs, leading to violent clashes with police, widespread looting, and buildings and vehicles being set ablaze.
Authorities reported that approximately 2,400 people were arrested nationwide as cities dealt with significant property damage, including attacks on city halls and retail shops. President Macron strongly criticized the "unbridled violence" seen over the weekend.
Despite political pressure and the interior minister offering to step down, Macron refused the resignation, emphasizing the necessity for Nuñez to remain in office to maintain an unbroken chain of command with police and security forces as the nation works to restore order.