Sara Guglielmetti Clashes, violence, and smashed shop windows: this is what happened over the weekend in France , with cities targeted primarily by hooded youths, who ravaged the country. President Emmanuel Macron spoke out about the incident.
France: Macron speaks out after clashes: "Intelligence shortcomings"
Following the riots that devastated several French cities, President Emmanuel Macron spoke out, admitting that there were “shortcomings in the preparation and activity of the intelligence community.”
Furthermore, Macron rejected the resignation submitted yesterday, October 18, 2026, by Interior Minister Laurent Nunez , given " the need to ensure continuity in the leadership of the police force at this time ," as the Elysée Palace announced. Nunez himself admitted that the police had " lost control" in some cities, also citing a " lack of foresight " in preparations. According to data, there were 2.331 police stops over the weekend, "70% of which involved adults, very often already known to the police ," of which "over 80% " are reportedly the subject of legal proceedings.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin made the announcement. Emmanuel Macron also asked Nunez to "adopt all necessary measures to ensure transparency regarding the planning and intelligence gaps that led to the violence" during the street demonstrations and to "introduce new operational methods for the security forces " to manage the crisis, putting an end to the barricades and looting.
France: Students Block Access to the Louvre
According to reports, this morning, Monday, October 19, 2026, access to the Louvre Museum in Paris was blocked by protesters supporting the high school student movement. This was announced by the management of the world's most visited museum and the unions to Agence France Presse . Signs explaining the situation to tourists read: "Attention visitors. We are fighting against their government and its hostile policies towards public services. "