Emmanuel Macron rejects Laurent Nuñez’s resignation after violence on the sidelines of demonstrations

2026-10-19

On October 19, the Élysée announced that Emmanuel Macron had rejected the resignation of the interior minister, citing the need to ensure continuity in the command of law enforcement forces.
Laurent Nuñez said he had resigned because he considered himself responsible for the events, while insisting that the situation had not spiraled out of control despite control being lost in some cities.
Macron called for greater transparency about failures in planning and intelligence, as well as new methods to tackle rioters.
Demonstrations attended by up to 800,000 people on October 17 were followed by violence and damage to property.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has opened a crisis unit focused on the economic and trade consequences, insurance and judicial follow-up.