Macron refuses interior minister's resignation and demands change in methods of confronting protests

French President Emmanuel Macron refused the resignation of Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, and demanded the establishment of new working methods for security forces to confront the wave of unrest and looting sweeping the country against the backdrop of rising living costs and declining public services.

Reports indicate that French President Emmanuel Macron refused the resignation of Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, amid increasing pressure on the government due to a wave of widespread unrest in France. These disturbances come against the backdrop of public anger over rising living costs and declining public services. The Élysée Palace stated that Macron asked the interior minister to develop new working methods for internal security forces as soon as possible, aiming to confront 'vandals' and put an end to the looting that accompanied protests in several French cities. France witnessed a wave of unrest over the weekend, as large protests against the economic situation turned into clashes between demonstrators and police. A municipal building was set on fire, shops and public and private buildings were looted and vandalized, and graffiti spread. The clashes extended to Paris and Marseille, where riot police intervened to prevent the storming and looting of commercial establishments, using tear gas to disperse protesters. Extensive cleanup operations were launched in several cities following the damage to property. Macron had called for calm, considering the acts of violence and vandalism unjustified, but he also stressed the need to distinguish between peaceful protesters and vandals.