Macron asks, "what had got into them?" about unrest

President Emmanuel Macron spoke to the nation after a wave of unrest sparked by rising living expenses that turned violent in dozens of cities, resulting in the torching of municipal buildings, the death of a police officer and a demonstrator, and injuries to more than six hundred officers. He rejected Interior Minister Laurent Nunez’s offer to resign, arguing that continuity in the police hierarchy was essential, and instructed the minister to devise a fresh strategy to confront demonstrators and looters. The clashes included police deploying tear‑gas at a central square in Paris, the burning of a historic town hall in Limoges, and extensive shop raids, while authorities reported detaining over two thousand participants. Macron warned that those responsible for the destruction would face consequences, emphasizing the need for accountability.