Macron increasingly isolated as unrest grows across France
After student protests turned violent last Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron is under fire from across the political spectrum. He condemned the violence and announced new procedures for security forces, while being on a diplomatic trip to the Gulf.
France is facing growing social unrest and political criticism just months before the end of President Emmanuel Macron's term, after student protests over living conditions turned violent last Saturday. Demonstrators cite grievances over education, the cost of living and inflation, and the crisis could shape Macron's legacy.
The unrest comes as the country struggles 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 more demonstrations planned for next weekend.
Macron's response
In an address to the nation, Macron condemned the violence and announced new operating procedures for security forces. The Paris prosecutor's office reported 855 arrests linked to the demonstrations. Of the 557 people held in police custody, 433 were adults, or 78%. “Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it. Tonight, we all feel anger and shame,” Macron said.
An Ipsos-BVA poll in October found that 82% of respondents viewed his performance unfavourably. The president is currently on a diplomatic trip to the Gulf, which the Élysée Palace says is meant to secure energy supplies as prices rise. His decision to leave Paris during the crisis has drawn criticism.
Criticism from rivals and former allies
Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally, which leads polls ahead of the 2027 presidential election, said the government appeared to be “collapsing under its own weight” and pledged tough measures if his party took power. Marine Le Pen, who lost to Macron in the 2017 and 2022 run-offs, said France had been “ravaged” by an alliance of criminals from the banlieues and politicised professional rioters.
Former prime ministers Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, both running in 2027, also criticised Macron. Attal urged the state to use all means, including AI facial recognition and, if necessary, the army. Social-democratic MEP Raphaël Glucksmann called the situation unprecedented in its gravity, while Bruno Retailleau of the conservative Les Républicains said Macron was incapable of confronting the chaos.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez admitted a “lack of anticipation” and offered to resign, but Macron refused. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin acknowledged shortcomings in intelligence gathering.
