Macron refuses Interior Minister's resignation after October 17 protests
French President Emmanuel Macron refused to accept the Interior Minister's resignation on Monday, October 19, 2026, two days after nationwide protests turned violent. The decision comes amid intense political criticism of the government's handling of the unrest. Nearly 2,400 people were arrested and about 1,000 police officers injured, including seven seriously, according to the Interior Ministry. Macron's Sunday evening address was widely criticized for lacking concrete measures, while the Association of French Mayors called for Monday rallies outside town halls. The October 17 demonstrations drew hundreds of thousands across France, marked by looting, fires, and attacks on public buildings. A 17-year-old girl lost an eye during the protests, prompting an investigation by the police oversight body IGPN.