After France’s riots, ferocious criticism from all sides underlines Macron’s isolation and shrinking options

Protests turn into unrest

A month-long high school protest over overcrowded, deteriorating classrooms joined wider anger over rising living costs, growing inequality and reduced public spending. Students, teachers, trade unionists and the revived gilets jaunes movement took part in largely peaceful demonstrations.

Masked groups then hijacked the protests, setting vehicles alight, looting businesses and damaging public infrastructure. In Limoges, the city hall was set on fire; in Marseille, protesters entered the city hall.

Rivals condemn Macron’s response

Greens leader Marine Tondelier said Macron had summoned people to the prime minister’s office as if they were pupils called to the blackboard, rather than showing contrition. Bruno Retailleau of the centre-right described him as overwhelmed.

On the radical left, Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused Macron of relying on inaction and police force in the hope that protests would fade. The article notes that political rivals are positioning themselves six months before the election to choose Macron’s successor, but says the strength of the criticism points to his isolation and the anger he provokes.

Deadlock and fiscal strain

Macron dissolved the National Assembly two years later, but the decision backfired, producing a more divided parliament. The chamber is split among a divided left, a much smaller centrist bloc and Marine Le Pen’s far right.

France also faces a looming fiscal crisis. Its borrowing costs are higher than Greece’s, while the government has few budgetary options. Earlier presidents could use targeted spending or public-sector concessions to ease unrest, but that approach is now constrained.

The government’s clearest response has been tear gas and baton charges, including against schoolchildren, further intensifying tensions. Jean-Baptiste Moreau, a former MP from Macron’s party who still speaks with him occasionally, reportedly suggested this weekend that Macron resign and call an early presidential election.