Macron condemns unrest, rejects interior minister resignation

President Emmanuel Macron delivered a televised address on Sunday evening following violent incidents during nationwide demonstrations against the high cost of living. He condemned what he called unrestrained violence by ultra-left agitators and delinquents, while insisting that legitimate protester demands must not be confused with those who destroyed and looted property.

Macron promised transparency regarding Saturday's policing strategy and instructed the government and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to draw all lessons from the operation. He also said prefects would take decisions in the coming days to protect cities, including banning certain gatherings if necessary.

“We all feel anger and shame this evening.”

The president rejected calls for Nuñez's resignation despite criticism from opposition leaders. Nuñez acknowledged a loss of police control in some cities, while Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin admitted state failures.

The Saturday protest call originated on social media and was relayed by high-school unions mobilizing since mid-September for better teaching conditions, alongside unions denouncing rising living costs. Macron maintained a previously scheduled three-day trip to the Middle East.