With only months left in his presidency, Emmanuel Macron faces mounting social unrest and political criticism that could ultimately shape his legacy. After student protests over living conditions erupted into violence last Saturday, Macron has come under fire from across the political spectrum over his handling of the security situation and his response to grievances over education, the cost of living and inflation. The unrest comes as France grapples with record public debt, soaring fuel prices and escalating international conflicts.
The Yellow Vests movement, which has helped coordinate the protests, announced a “second act” on Monday, with further demonstrations planned for next weekend. Addressing the nation, Macron condemned violence and announced new operational procedures for security forces. The Paris prosecutor’s office reported 855 arrests linked to the demonstrations, with 557 people placed in police custody, 433 of whom were adults, representing 78% of those detained.
How can French people do this to France?” Macron said. Tonight, we all feel anger and shame.” The response is likely to add to the pressure on Macron, whose performance was viewed unfavourably by 82% of respondents in an Ipsos-BVA poll conducted in October. The French president is currently on a diplomatic trip to the Gulf, which the Élysée says aims to secure energy supplies as prices rise.
However, his decision to leave Paris amid the crisis has drawn criticism, with some accusing Macron of evading the situation. Across the political spectrum, several potential presidential candidates have argued that Macron has lost authority and that his response came too late. Speaking at a press conference at the party’s headquarters on Monday, Bardella pledged tough measures to restore order if the National Rally came to power.
Polls put Marine Le Pen ahead of all her potential rivals in the 2027 presidential race. She faced Emmanuel Macron in the 2017 and 2022 run-offs, losing both times. In the aftermath of the looting, Le Pen said France had been “ravaged” by “an alliance of criminals from the banlieues and politicised professional rioters”.
Le Pen is expected to focus her campaign on migration and law and order, issues that have traditionally resonated with far-right voters, while playing down foreign policy issues such as the war in Ukraine and wider geopolitical tensions. Macron has also faced criticism from his former prime ministers, Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, both of whom are running in the 2027 presidential election. Both are seeking to distance themselves from Macron and his political legacy.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
