Police ‘lost control’ during French protests, says Interior Minister
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez admitted that police lost control during violent nationwide protests over the cost of living. President Emmanuel Macron rejected the minister's resignation while calling for a comprehensive security review.
Why it matters
The admission of security failures and the potential for political instability in France highlight growing civil unrest in Europe.
Police ‘lost control’ during French protests, says Interior Minister left France's Interior Minister Laurent Nunez attends an Interministerial Crisis Meeting chaired by President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Presidential Palace, in Paris, on October 18, 2026. Photo: Pool AFP via AP. https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/kl4ovt/article71602421.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/France_Protests__9998.jpg LUDOVIC MARIN France's Interior Minister Laurent Nunez attends an Interministerial Crisis Meeting chaired by President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Presidential Palace, in Paris, on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 the day after nationwide riots. (Ludovic Marin/Pool Photo via AP) President Emmanuel Macron also refused Interior Minister Laurent Nunez’s resignation even as he acknowledged security and intelligence failures in the government response Paris, France French police “lost control” during nationwide protests marred by violence over the weekend, the Interior Minister admitted Monday (October 19, 2026), with President Emmanuel Macron calling for a security review. France protests: Police arrest 1,800 after violent clashes and looting mar protests https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/france-paris-protests-police-arrests-damage/article71599628.ece Mr.
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