Macron rejects interior minister's resignation amid French protests

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has requested to resign following the weekend's nationwide and violent protests, but President Emmanuel Macron has refused the resignation. On Monday morning, demonstrators are blocking the entrances to the Louvre in Paris. Nuñez submitted his resignation on Sunday, but the Élysée Palace stated Macron rejected it, arguing the minister's leadership is needed in the current situation. The president described the efforts to prevent the weekend's violence as a failure, and Nuñez is expected to take all necessary measures to ensure transparency. The minister admitted police lost control in several cities, saying he takes his share of responsibility while blaming looters, vandals, and the violent far-left. Protests continue, with reported shop lootings in Paris overnight and demonstrators camped outside the Louvre, preventing the museum from opening. Hundreds of thousands took to the streets Saturday across France, driven by discontent over high living costs, underfunded schools, and the government. The unrest turned violent in many places, with clashes, damage, and looting, and thousands were detained. Macron gave a televised address Sunday, vowing to be uncompromising and ensure exemplary legal consequences, while expressing some understanding for education policy grievances but blaming Middle East conflict for fuel prices. He proceeded with a planned trip to the region, while political blame-trading continues, with Macron's party accusing leftist leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon of fueling the violence, and opposition leaders criticizing the president's speech as lacking substance.