French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez submitted his resignation to President Emmanuel Macron following the violent incidents that occurred during the Yellow Vest protests held on October 17. According to a statement from the Elysee Palace, Macron did not accept the resignation on the grounds that "continuity" is required in the management of law enforcement.
"I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENED"
In a statement on France Inter radio, Nunez noted that he took responsibility following criticism regarding the management of the demonstrations. Nunez said, "I submitted my resignation because I am responsible for everything that happened."
Stating that he acted with a sense of public interest, Nunez expressed that submitting his resignation was the right step given the damage that occurred. The Interior Minister noted that authorities expected 200 thousand people to participate in the protests, but participation exceeded 550 thousand on October 17.
Reminding that hundreds of shops were looted in some major cities, Nunez stated, "We cannot look at the shopkeepers and say, 'We did not lose control.'"
It was reported that Macron asked Nunez to rapidly implement new methods against violent acts in the field. It was also conveyed that the President demanded transparency regarding the clarification of shortcomings in foresight and intelligence concerning the demonstrations.
Nunez is expected to visit Marseille, the country's second-largest city, where serious violent incidents occurred during the demonstrations.
HOW DID THE PROTESTS IN FRANCE BEGIN?
Students also supported the protests organized against the cost of living and high fuel prices. While approximately 2 thousand 400 people were detained in demonstrations across the country, about one thousand police officers, gendarmes, and firefighters were injured. One person who fell ill in Paris lost their life, and one person had their hand severed in Saint-Etienne.
Politicians from the left, environmentalist, and far-right wings had demanded Nunez's resignation, arguing that the demonstrations were not managed well. In his speech yesterday, Macron stated that France needs order and calm, announcing that governors could ban certain demonstrations.
News Source: 12punto
