Police admit losing control

France's Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said police lost control in some cities over the weekend as violent protests erupted across the country over underfunded public services and rising cost-of-living pressures.

“lost control”

Nuñez offers resignation

The Interior Minister offered his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron because he felt responsible for how things unfolded, but Macron refused to accept it due to the need for continuous command of the police.

“felt responsible”

Macron demands accountability

President Macron called for the Interior Ministry to take all necessary steps to ensure transparency over planning and intelligence failures and to put an end to barricades and looting across France.

Curfews and aid announced

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu extended local mayors power to enforce partial curfews to protect businesses and people. The government vowed to create a fund to assist shops impacted by the riots.

“My determination to restore order is absolute”

Scale of the unrest

The Interior Ministry reported around five hundred fifty thousand people took to streets on Saturday.Over two thousand were arrested and more than six hundred police officers and firefighters injured.

Damage across the country

A historic town hall in Limoges was damaged in an arson attack.A main tourist office in Lyon was set ablaze.In Bordeaux, the prefect's residence was attacked.Marseille imposed a temporary ban on public gatherings.

Protests spread across Europe

Demonstrations also erupted in Portugal, Italy, and Belgium over the weekend.In Milan, police clashed with protesters who threw stones and looted shops.

French unions plan next action

French unions have already called for a new round of strikes and marches on November fifth as the unrest continues to spread across the country and beyond.