Macron asks security review to "draw all necessary lessons" from unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the country on Sunday after a weekend of nationwide demonstrations over living costs escalated into serious urban disorder. The interior ministry reported almost 2,400 arrests on Saturday and nearly 1,000 police and gendarmes injured, seven gravely. Macron distinguished people with valid grievances from those who caused destruction and theft, promised help for damaged businesses, and pledged openness about the security response. He also directed Interior Minister Laurent Nunez to review the episode, with particular attention to information collection and advance planning, and said he wanted specific answers. The request followed complaints that police had not prepared adequately, and some opposition figures had already urged Nunez’s removal. The unrest occurred before a presidential election in which Macron cannot run again.