Macron 'now the target of all critics': Political scientist on left-wing dreamers and violence in France

Protests in France have escalated dramatically over the weekend, with more than 1,000 people injured and curfews imposed by the government. Further demonstrations are planned for the coming Saturday. President Emmanuel Macron is currently in Kuwait and has attributed part of the unrest to left-wing populist presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Political scientist Hélène Miard-Delacroix discussed the situation on a television program, distinguishing between ordinary citizens protesting against high living costs, fuel prices, and poor infrastructure, and ultra-left individuals who dream of toppling the republic. She also identified a third group composed of anarchists who seek destruction and possible looting. Miard-Delacroix noted that while President Macron points to far-right radicals and right-wing politicians blame migrants and Islamic violence, she believes extreme leftists are primarily responsible for the chaos. These individuals, she said, act anarchistically, targeting banks or public buildings. The mixture of violence is difficult to understand, as each side benefits from the presence of the other. However, peaceful protesters are the real losers, being overshadowed by politically motivated violence. Regarding speculation that Iran or the Russian intelligence services incited the riots, Miard-Delacroix stated there is no evidence, but such claims would not surprise anyone. She also pointed out that intelligence agencies had difficulty assessing the scale of mobilization on social media. The French government's control over the situation remains uncertain. The failure of police to prevent widespread destruction and looting during the weekend will be investigated by a commission. Meanwhile, Macron’s absence in the Middle East is viewed negatively, making him a target for criticism from both the population and political opponents. The crisis could benefit Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right party Rassemblement National, which positions itself as the party of order. This concern is shared by all democrats, according to Miard-Delacroix. Whether the situation helps Mélenchon’s leftist party remains unclear, though he appears to be seen as an instigator among young people who imagine a great revolution. France is experiencing a period of turmoil, with protests exceeding even typical French standards. The burning town hall of Limoges symbolizes this dangerous autumn, where mobs are destroying not just institutions and symbols of the Republic, but also the legitimate right of people to express their frustration on the streets. Violence undermines protest legitimacy. President Macron’s reassurances and vague promises seem hollow amidst the wreckage of the riot nights. While Macron claimed his government has the situation under control, looters devastated shops in Paris. The state demonstrates its complete helplessness. Many politicians are likely to benefit from the chaos, particularly Marine Le Pen, whose party stands to gain votes from each broken shop window. Le Pen blames immigrants and her main rival, the leftist populist Jean-Luc Mélenchon, for the violence. Mélenchon, however, holds the police accountable. He aims to position himself as the champion of students demanding better education. Le Pen boycotted a multi-party meeting on the unrest, showing no interest in de-escalation. Opponents of liberal democracy also take pleasure in the burning of France, with figures like U.S. President Donald Trump and Salvador’s authoritarian president Nayib Bukele criticizing the country as an example of Western decline. Iran’s regime expressed concern through its ambassador, despite having caused the deaths of thousands of young Iranians. The profiteers of chaos point fingers at the president, who has indeed lost control. The French people no longer trust the state, which fails to listen and solve problems. Financial constraints further exacerbate the situation, with few EU countries burdened with debt as heavily as France. Numerous factors contribute to the crisis, many structural and global in nature. However, Macron bears a large share of responsibility. The government and parliament have been paralyzed for years, rendering them incapable of reforms due to hubris, uncompromising attitudes, and poor decisions, such as early parliamentary elections in 2024. Macron, once eager to end internal polarization after taking office in 2017, has instead exacerbated it. His personalization of politics within the already president-centric Fifth Republic dealt a fatal blow to the established party system. His reform movement failed to fill the central gap, instead strengthening radical forces. Although Macron succeeded in many areas during his early years in office, the youthful Macron has grown old, arrogant, and detached. He no longer understands his citizens.