Politics · France · 1 hr ago
Macron rejects interior minister’s resignation after unrest in France
French President Emmanuel Macron rejected Interior Minister Laurent Nunez’s offer to resign after weekend riots.
The unrest spread across France, with a town hall set alight and businesses looted or damaged.
At least 2,400 people were arrested following the violence.
The demonstrations began amid anger over rising living costs, struggling public services and schools.
Macron criticized security failures but said Nunez should stay to maintain command of police and security forces.
He has asked Nunez to develop new approaches to deal with looters as quickly as possible.
President Emmanuel Macron rejected Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez’s resignation after violent protests and rioting across France.
The Élysée said Macron wanted continuity in the leadership of law enforcement and asked Nuñez to introduce new security methods.
Nuñez said he resigned on Sunday because he felt responsible for events and damage during the protests.
Macron also called for transparency about planning and intelligence failures linked to the violence.
Reports differed on arrests: Le Monde reported nearly 2,400, while Okaz said the reported total was close to 2,000.
- Who
- President Emmanuel Macron rejected Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez’s resignation.
- What
- Nuñez offered to resign after unrest, but Macron refused and asked him to change security methods.
- When
- Macron’s decision was announced on Monday, October 19, 2026; Nuñez submitted his resignation on Sunday.
- Where
- France. The unrest took place in cities nationwide.
- Why
- Macron said continued leadership of law enforcement was necessary and requested new approaches to prevent further violence.
Opposition politicians calling for Nuñez’s removal
Macron
Nuñez’s position
Opposition politicians calling for Nuñez’s removal
Nuñez submitted his resignation, saying he was responsible for what happened.
Macron
Macron refused the resignation and said law enforcement needed continued leadership.
Response to the unrest
Opposition politicians calling for Nuñez’s removal
Some opposition politicians called for Nuñez’s sacking after the demonstrations turned violent.
Macron
Macron asked Nuñez to ensure transparency about planning and intelligence failures and to establish new operational methods for security forces.
Nationwide demonstrations erupted into riots, with looting, fires and clashes with police.
Nuñez said more than 550,000 people took part in marches, while authorities had forecast 200,000.
Nuñez submitted his resignation to Macron.
Macron gave a televised address and said looters would have to pay for damages.
The Élysée announced that Macron had rejected Nuñez’s resignation.
- Interior minister
- Laurent Nuñez
- President
- Emmanuel Macron
- Resignation submitted
- Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Protest turnout
- More than 550,000, according to Nuñez
- Security forces deployed
- 60,000, according to Nuñez
- Arrests
- Nearly 2,400 reported by Le Monde; close to 2,000 reported by Okaz
10 sources
Macron refuses minister’s resignation after huge protests rock France – Europe live
توعد بمحاسبة المخربين.. ماكرون ينتقد الإخفاقات ويرفض استقالة وزير الداخلية
Nach Protesten: Macron lehnt Rücktritt des Innenministers ab
"J'ai remis ma démission parce que je suis responsable de tout", affirme Laurent Nuñez, après les heurts et pillages lors de la mobilisation du 17 octobre
France’s Macron declines interior minister’s offer to resign
Macron refuses interior minister's resignation after protests
Live: Macron rejects French interior minister's resignation after weekend of unrest
Ruim honderd arrestaties na nieuwe rellen Parijs, Macron weigert ontslag minister
What people are saying
J'ai remis ma démission parce que je suis responsable de tout ce qui se passe
Il faut évidemment être meilleurs dans l'anticipation de la mobilisation telle qu'elle se produit.
Given the necessity for continued leadership of law enforcement at this time, the president refused.
Those who looted will have to pay for the damages, and those who sought to overthrow the republic will be held accountable.