France’s massive intel failure sparks resignation offers amid days of rioting

French authorities underestimated the size and violence of nationwide protests, which escalated into days of rioting and looting across the country. President Emmanuel Macron has ordered a review of security planning and intelligence after senior officials admitted that police lost control in some cities.

The Interior Ministry estimated 550,000 people joined 110 marches on Saturday, against an intelligence forecast of about 200,000; organisers put turnout at 800,000. Around 60,000 security personnel were deployed, nearly 1,000 officers and firefighters were injured, at least 2,400 people were arrested and about 3,000 businesses were damaged. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered to resign, but Macron refused; officials said warning signs had been identified weeks earlier as protests over schools, living costs and public services spread.