France Grapples with Unrest as Interior Minister Admits Police Lost Control

France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez admitted that police "lost control" in some cities over the weekend as violent protests, marked by looting and vandalism, erupted across the country. French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a comprehensive review of the police response to the unrest.

Nuñez cited a "lack of anticipation" ahead of Saturday's demonstrations and acknowledged that policing numbers were insufficient in certain areas. Hundreds of thousands participated in the protests, which were fueled by discontent over underfunded public services and the rising cost of living. These events followed weeks of student demonstrations that had also seen instances of violence.

Following the chaotic scenes, Nuñez offered his resignation to Macron, stating he "felt responsible." Macron declined the resignation, citing "the need for a continuous command of the police." Instead, the President instructed the Interior Ministry to "take all necessary steps to ensure transparency over planning and intelligence failures" and to halt the ongoing barricades and looting.

In an effort to regain control, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has granted local mayors the authority to enforce "partial curfews" to protect businesses and residents. The French government has also pledged to establish a fund to provide financial assistance to businesses affected by the riots.

The Interior Ministry reported that approximately 550,000 people marched on Saturday, though a French trade union placed the figure higher, at over 800,000. Nuñez stated on Sunday that more than 2,000 individuals were arrested and over 600 police officers and firefighters sustained injuries. In Paris, at least 300 businesses were vandalized, according to Dominique Restino, head of the Paris chamber of commerce. Peaceful protests in Marseille and Lyon also devolved into violence, leading authorities in Marseille to impose a temporary ban on public gatherings and demonstrations.

Across the country, various buildings and official monuments were targeted. The historic town hall in Limoges appeared to be the subject of an arson attack, while a main tourist office in Lyon was set ablaze. In Bordeaux, the prefect's residence was attacked.

Macron addressed the nation on Sunday, acknowledging the public's "anger" and "shame" over the rioting. "Those who looted will have to pay for the damage, and those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable," he vowed.

These protests drew comparisons to the May 1968 protests, which began with student movements and escalated to widespread worker strikes. This past weekend, some protesters also aligned with the spirit of the 2018 Yellow Vest movement, which initially protested planned fuel tax increases. In Paris, a yellow vest was draped over the Marianne statue at Place de la République, symbolizing a convergence of student grievances with broader economic discontent.

Protests were not limited to France. In Portugal, thousands marched in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra, advocating for better pensions, improved public services, and action against rising living costs. In Milan, clashes occurred between police and protesters, with some instances of stone-throwing and looting. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened an emergency meeting with security officials to assess the situation, which also saw unrest in Bologna and Turin. In Brussels, Belgium, demonstrations by antifascist activists turned violent, leading to police intervention and reports of property damage.