French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has acknowledged that police lost control in several cities during violent nationwide protests over the rising cost of living, as President Emmanuel Macron ordered a review of security failures.

The demonstrations on Saturday, October 17, drew around 500,000 people across France. Although many participants protested peacefully, violence and looting erupted in several cities, with shops and public buildings targeted.

According to reports, more than 2,500 people were arrested over the weekend, while nearly 1,000 members of the security forces were injured. Authorities said around 60,000 law enforcement personnel had been deployed nationwide, but the numbers proved insufficient to contain the unrest in some areas.

Nuñez acknowledged shortcomings in planning and intelligence and offered his resignation to Macron. However, the president rejected it, asking the minister to ensure transparency regarding the security failures and introduce improved operational measures.

Looting continued on Sunday, with Paris authorities reporting further attacks on shops. The unrest followed weeks of student demonstrations and growing public frustration over living costs and economic pressures.

The government is now facing calls for accountability as France works to restore order.