Oct. 19 (UPI) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday rejected French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez’s offer to resign amid increasingly violent protests across the country that has lawmakers considering a curfew.
A statement from the Élysée Palace, the office of the presidency, said Macron refused Nuñez’s offer “given the need for continuous command of the security forces in the current situation.” Macron, instead, asked Nuñez to employ “new methods of action on the ground as quickly as possible … against violent rioters,” EuroNews reported.
Student protests seeking better conditions — which have grown to include those demonstrating over the cost of living — have been largely peacefully, but some grew violent Saturday. Police arrested nearly 2,400 people and nearly 1,000 police officials were injured in clashes.
Some rioters took to vandalism, setting buildings on fire, breaking windows and looting from shops. These incidents took place in major cities across the country, including Paris, Limoges, Bourdeaux, Grenoble, Nice, Marseille, Lyon, Rennes and Strasbourg.
Leaders said Monday they’re considering implementing curfews to curb the country-wide violence. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called on some cities to impose “partial curfews,” CNN reported.
The city of Marseille banned all gatherings between midday and 8 p.m.
In a speech addressing the nation Sunday evening, Macron said those involved in vandalism and violence “must pay.”
“Those who looted must pay back. Those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable,” he said.
Macron said he planned to hold meetings this week to address protestors’ concerns and demands.
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