France weekend violence puts Macron government under pressure

France weekend violence has intensified pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government, with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu convening a crisis cabinet meeting on Monday to assess widespread looting, clashes and damage to businesses across the country.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered his resignation, the Élysée Palace said on Monday. Macron declined to accept it, instead asking Nuñez to develop measures to improve public safety and ensure those responsible for the violence face justice.

More than 500,000 people demonstrated on Saturday against rising living costs and deteriorating public services, including state education. The largely peaceful protests were disrupted by masked activists and vandals, with an estimated 1,500 shops and businesses looted or destroyed.

France’s interior ministry reported around 1,000 police officers injured, seven seriously. Riot police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse crowds, while officers were also seen striking people with batons.

Nuñez has faced criticism from opposition politicians, trade unions and social media users over preparations for the demonstrations. Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of France’s National Assembly, has called for an inquiry into the events.

In a televised address on Sunday, Macron appealed for national unity and promised accountability for those involved in the violence. French media criticised the speech for offering few concrete measures to address the unrest.

The demonstrations began last month amid concerns over education, living costs and declining public services. Trade union leader Sophie Binet accused Macron of failing to address these grievances.

Political divisions have complicated the government’s response, with rival camps blaming the unrest on far-left groups, government failures and wider dissatisfaction with the administration. France is also facing pressure to rein in public debt, creating tensions over potential spending cuts.

Further demonstrations have been announced for November 5, involving trade unions and sections of the Yellow Vest movement.

The government now faces pressure to restore public order, establish dialogue with education groups and clarify how affected businesses will be compensated.