Macron Rejects Interior Minister's Resignation After Two Weeks of Violent Protests in France

French President Emmanuel Macron today, Monday, rejected the resignation of French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, following the protests and violence that have swept the country for a week.

Protests that spread across France turned into riots, with fires set to a town hall building, shops looted, walls of buildings covered in graffiti and writings, and violent groups clashing with police in cities throughout the country.

Macron had called in his speech yesterday, Sunday, for calm to be maintained today, the day after one of the worst days of unrest France has seen in years, as protests over rising prices and declining public services led to thousands of arrests and shops across the country being looted or vandalized.

The unrest revealed widespread anger towards Macron due to growing social discontent, a weak economy, and worsening debt. Macron's term is scheduled to end in 2027 after ten years in power.

Macron stated that peaceful protesters have legitimate demands and that their actions should not be confused with those seeking to spread chaos and vandalism.

The situation did not reach the point where Macron declared a state of emergency, which some right-wing politicians are demanding, but he indicated that the government would take measures allowing prefects to ban protests if necessary, aiming to protect public buildings and local businesses.