French Interior Minister, Laurent Nunez, acknowledged on Monday that the police have "lost control" in some cities following recent violent protests. These protests have erupted across the country due to rising living costs and budget shortages in public services. President Emmanuel Macron has also called for an investigation into the police's response to these riots and looting.
Lack of Forecasting and Shortage of Forces
Nunez stated that on Saturday, "lack of forecasting" and a shortage of police forces in some areas led to these problems, as hundreds of thousands took to the streets. The recent protests followed weeks of student demonstrations, some of which had also turned violent.
New Measures by the French Government
Following these events, Nunez submitted his resignation to Macron, but Macron did not accept it due to the "need for continuous police command." Macron has also asked the Ministry of the Interior to "take all necessary measures to ensure transparency in planning and intelligence failures" and to address the riots and looting.
The French government is trying to regain full control of the streets, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has granted local mayors the authority to impose a "partial curfew" to protect businesses and citizens. The government has also promised to create a budget to assist stores affected by the riots.
The Ministry of the Interior reported that around 550,000 people took to the streets on Saturday. A trade union estimated the number of protesters to be over 800,000. Nunez also announced that more than 2,000 people have been arrested and over 600 police and fire officers have been injured.
In Paris, at least 300 businesses have been destroyed. Similar incidents have been reported in Marseille and Lyon, where initial protests have also turned violent. Authorities in Marseille imposed a temporary ban on public gatherings and protests on Monday.
In his speech on Sunday, Macron referred to the public anger and shame resulting from these riots, stating: "Those who looted must pay damages, and those who sought to overthrow the Republic will be held accountable."
The recent protests have drawn similarities to the May 1968 protests, which stemmed from a student movement.
