Macron rejects minister's resignation, condemns protest violence

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence during weekend protests and rejected the interior minister's resignation. Nearly 500,000 people demonstrated nationwide, with riots resulting in almost 2,400 arrests and around 1,000 police injuries. Macron said nothing justifies the "uncontrolled" violence and vowed perpetrators would be held accountable. He refused Interior Minister Laurent Nunes' resignation to ensure continuity, instead requesting new security methods and possible bans on certain protests. Nunes admitted security forces lost control of the situation. The protests began September 25 over school conditions and expanded to include cost-of-living concerns. The burning of Limoges' city hall drew particular outrage. Similar demonstrations occurred across Europe, with Italy's Milan experiencing the most severe clashes.