France: By keeping Nuñez, Macron demands new tactics against rioters

On October 19, 2026, Emmanuel Macron refused Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez’s resignation following violence during October 17 demonstrations against the rising cost of living. The Élysée said continuous command of law enforcement was necessary, while Macron instructed Nuñez to quickly introduce new tactics against rioters. Nuñez had forecast 250 actions and 80 public-road gatherings and said he was responsible for what happened. His handling of public order was already under fire after injuries to student protesters, police officers and gendarmes; on October 7, he defended proportionality and temporarily suspended the use of stun grenades at student demonstrations.