France braces for new protests after violent cost-of-living riots

France faces a national security crisis after weekend riots and looting linked to cost-of-living protests, with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offering his resignation, which President Emmanuel Macron refused. The government is convening an emergency crisis cell as political leaders demand order be restored. The protests on October 17 turned violent in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and other cities, with hundreds of shops looted and damaged, including 300-400 in the Ile-de-France region alone. Over 2,300 people have been placed in custody, with authorities admitting failures in anticipation and intelligence regarding far-left militants. The yellow vest coordination behind the protests has announced an "Act II" of actions for October 24, while officials debate measures including curfews and a state of emergency. Local mayors criticize police doctrine and demand support for affected businesses, as the Lyon metropolis allocates 10 million euros for merchants.