Macron’s ‘incompetence’ fueled France riots – opposition leaders

Politicians from across the political spectrum have accused the French president of undermining public services and failing to maintain order

French opposition leaders have blamed President Emmanuel Macron and his government’s policies for the wave of violent unrest sweeping the country.

The latest round of demonstrations by students and public sector workers over the high cost of living and deteriorating public services descended into rioting, vandalism and looting in Paris and other cities on Saturday. Thousands of people were arrested, while hundreds of police officers were injured.

Marine Le Pen, who leads first-round polling for the 2027 presidential election, described Macron as a president “without credibility or authority” who had “lost all touch with reality,” calling his government “a government on its last legs.”

“We are experiencing a profound crisis of trust and authority that threatens democracy. This should serve as a warning: Our country is caught in a vice, even held hostage, between violence and powerlessness,” she said in a message on X.

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In July, a Paris appeals court upheld Le Pen’s conviction for misusing EU funds but modified her sentence, lifting a ban that had prevented the veteran politician from the right-wing National Rally (RN) from running for president. She denied wrongdoing and argued that the case was politically motivated.

“We are paying the price for decades of laxity, the erosion of authority, and the moral and material weakening of our domestic security forces,” RN President Jordan Bardella said. “I expect Emmanuel Macron to apologize and step down.”

Jean-Luc Melenchon, the leader of the left-wing La France Insoumise (LFI) party, told French broadcaster LCI that the protests were “the result of ten disastrous years during which President Macron has undermined the functioning of the state and public services.”

He accused Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and police leaders of “complete incompetence” in handling the protests and criticized the use of riot-control weapons, saying they had left people maimed. LFI previously rejected government accusations that it had incited violence.

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In a televised address on Sunday evening, Macron distinguished peaceful demonstrators from rioters, insisting that legitimate grievances must be heard while those responsible for violence face punishment.

“We will show no leniency. Listening and dialogue do not mean weakness or impunity,” he said.

Macron also pledged to address the concerns of protesting students, who have complained about staff shortages and poor learning conditions. “Their voices must be heard, without prejudice and without downplaying their difficulties,” he said.

Macron’s approval rating has fallen to just 15–19%, according to October opinion polls. Meanwhile, Le Pen leads first-round polling for the election in April, with support ranging from roughly 32% to 36%.