President Emmanuel Macron has admitted shortcomings in anticipating and gathering intelligence on France’s recent unrest, the presidential palace said on Monday. Despite the pressure, he refused to accept the resignation of his interior minister, Nunez.
Some opposition politicians had called for Nunez to be sacked. The cost-of-living demonstrations erupted into some of the worst urban violence France has seen in years.
Arrests, injuries and widespread looting across France
Nearly 2,400 people were arrested on Saturday, according to the interior ministry. Almost 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured.
Clashes between police and protesters, mass looting and fires broke out nationwide.
Resignation refused and new security orders issued
Nunez submitted his resignation to the president on Sunday, the Elysee palace said. The president rejected it, citing the need for continued leadership of law enforcement at this time.
Macron has asked Nunez to ensure transparency over the planning and intelligence failures that led to the violence. He has also instructed him to introduce new operational methods for security forces.
