French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez accepted sole responsibility for what he described as a failed security operation during protests on October 17, when demonstrations over education policy were followed by serious unrest in cities across the country. He made the remarks on Tuesday while appearing before a National Assembly inquiry committee examining the events and the security response.
Shops were looted and public buildings set on fire, including Limoges City Hall. Nuñez said the authorities had not managed to protect public buildings and businesses, while security forces faced what he called unprecedented violence. He identified the failure to recall police and gendarmerie personnel from leave early as a mistake in preparing for the day.
According to figures from the Interior Ministry, 441 protest actions took place on October 17, drawing 550,000 people, including 110,000 in Paris.
High school students continued their protests over the weekend, demanding the abolition of Parcoursup, the system used to manage access to higher education. The government had proposed changes to the platform, including greater transparency in admissions decisions and removing motivation letters. Other announced measures included renovating deteriorating school facilities and reducing class sizes.
Yellow vest protesters and trade unions also joined demonstrations, raising concerns about the cost of living and police violence and backing a general strike planned for November 5. Student groups called for further protests and campus blockades on Tuesday and Thursday, extending a standoff with the government that had lasted for more than a month.
Sources: Observador.