ALBAWABA - French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez offered to step down over the widespread violent riots that erupted across the country over the "high cost of living"
However, French President Emmanuel Macron has declined his bid to resign, the Elysee presidential office announced on Monday.
The French leader said Nunez should stay on given the need to keep a chain of command within the police and security forces, adding that Macron requested the interior minister to make a new plan to confront the angry protesters and looters, the Elysee detailed.
In Paris, police fired tear gas at Place de la République as several hundred protesters gathered, according to French media outlets. The renewed confrontation followed Saturday's nationwide riots and extensive damage, including the burning of Limoges' historic town hall and looting shops.
A post shared by Emmanuel Macron (@emmanuelmacron)
President Macron addressed the nation on Sunday evening amid anti-government protests that descended into violent clashes and unrest, which left government buildings torched and killed one police officer and one protester.
In the 10-minute speech, Macron stressed, "Those who destroyed must pay," Macron said. "Those who looted must pay back. Those who sought to bring down the Republic will be held accountable."
He added, "Watching these images, we were all wondering: what had got into them? How can French people do that to France?" Macron continued, "Nothing can justify it, explain it or excuse it," Macron said. "Tonight we all feel both anger and shame."
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said police detained over 2,000 people, while more than 600 police officers were injured amid riots and unrest.
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