Senate debate on law enforcement strategy

During a Senate session on current events, Laurent Nuñez, the Minister of the Interior, addressed questions from Bruno Retailleau, his former colleague and current party member, about the government's handling of recent actions on October 24. Nuñez emphasized that the government remained committed to using "common law measures" and "administrative police measures" to manage the situation on that day.

Government's use of administrative police tools

Nuñez stated that the government had directed prefects to implement a range of common law measures, including administrative police actions such as banning gatherings, issuing demonstration permits, and enforcing curfews. He noted that curfews, now in place for the third consecutive night, were beginning to show effects.

Law enforcement preparedness and past issues

Nuñez mentioned that the government was preparing for increased law enforcement presence on the ground for the upcoming Saturday. He referenced the pillaging and "numerous excesses" that occurred during the Champions League final in May 2025, when Bruno Retailleau was the Minister of the Interior. Nuñez acknowledged that maintaining public order was "never an exact science" and required "great humility."

Retailleau's criticism of the government's response

Earlier in the session, Bruno Retailleau described the events of October 17 as a "disaster," stating that "French people were stunned to see the Republic retreat." He called on the Prime Minister to declare a state of emergency, arguing that the chaos was sufficient justification. Retailleau urged the government to provide more resources to prefects and law enforcement, including enhanced monitoring of social networks.

Retailleau's critique of Macron and police policies

Retailleau, who is also the president of the Republicans and a presidential candidate, criticized Emmanuel Macron, accusing him of "disarming" the police. According to Le Parisien, the head of state had expressed regret over the lack of "empathy" shown by law enforcement toward the student movement in early October. Retailleau argued that police officers and gendarmes are not "socio-cultural animators" and that Macron had weakened them during the debate over the use of tear gas. He stated that governance should not be based on fear, emotion, or panic.