French President Emmanuel Macron rejected Interior Minister Laurent Nunez’s resignation, asking him to put an end to the violence and looting during major protests in Paris and other cities over the weekend.
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets over the weekend to protest the rising cost of living. High fuel prices, largely driven by the US war in Iran, have added to the financial burden on many households.
The protests follow weeks of student demonstrations, which have occasionally been accompanied by street clashes.
Up to 800,000 people demonstrated across France on Saturday, with 1,800 arrests reported that day.
According to Reuters, concerns about potential tensions within Macron’s government over apparent security failures could lead to further political instability as the government seeks to pass a much-needed budget bill to address its fiscal problems.
In Limoges, the 19th-century town hall was set on fire. Demonstrations were banned in Marseille today, while Macron announced compensation for businesses affected by looting.
Protests are expected to continue, with the Yellow Vests announcing demonstrations for October 24, October 31, and November 5, when the largest turnout is expected.
Sources: Reuters [1], [2], Guardian
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