Photo Credit: Melaine Payzal/AFP

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned failures in intelligence and preparedness following violent nationwide protests over rising living costs and fuel prices, while refusing to accept the resignation of Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.

The unrest on Saturday saw tens of thousands of demonstrators take to the streets, with France’s CGT union estimating turnout at 500,000. Nearly 2,400 people were arrested, while almost 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured, according to the Interior Ministry. Protesters looted shops and set fire to public and private property, including the historic Limoges city hall.

Nuñez acknowledged that police had “lost control” of the situation and offered to resign, citing his responsibility for the security failures. Macron rejected the resignation and ordered a review of the planning and intelligence shortcomings, alongside new operational measures to help security forces manage future unrest.

The protests, organised partly in an effort to revive the 2018–2019 Yellow Vest movement, have intensified pressure on Macron’s government ahead of next year’s presidential election. Political leaders remain divided over the demonstrations, with far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon defending the largely peaceful nature of many rallies, while far-right figures Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella accused the left of encouraging disorder. Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan also condemned the violence, warning against using legitimate social grievances to justify destruction and attacks on police.