France is facing increased scrutiny as the government expands curfews to control violent riots. These riots have resulted in over 2,400 arrests and damage to approximately 3,000 businesses. National Review’s senior writer Noah Rothman highlights the impact on Jewish sites and businesses and raises concerns about similar violence occurring in the U.S.
President Emmanuel Macron continues his trip to the Arabian Gulf, drawing criticism as France struggles to handle the unrest. Initially, the demonstrations started as student-led protests over classroom conditions. However, they quickly expanded into broader riots involving various political and ideological groups across France.
Images and videos circulated on social media, showing groups holding foreign flags and engaging in destructive activities in major cities. A Fox News Digital investigation found involvement from communist organizations, Islamic advocacy groups, labor unions, and environmental activists.
Despite the situation in France, Macron proceeded with his trip for energy negotiations in the Arabian Gulf. Before departing for Kuwait on Sunday, he condemned the rioters’ “unbridled” violence in a national address. French officials have arrested over 2,500 individuals related to the demonstrations. Macron acknowledges security failures but refused to accept the interior minister’s resignation.
“France under Macron is a country caught in a vice between violence and impotence,” said Marine Le Pen.
The French president faces criticism from both left and right. Marine Le Pen, a right-wing presidential contender, accused Macron’s leadership of failing to address the riots effectively. On the left, socialist candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon criticized the government for relying on “inaction and police brutality.”
The timing of these demonstrations coincides with the upcoming presidential election in France. With Macron term-limited, his centrist allies encounter a challenging political landscape as Le Pen and Mélenchon seek to capitalize on public discontent. Some political analysts suggest the riots could boost Le Pen, who criticizes immigration policies, in the polls.
Macron also faced backlash for attending a concert amidst ongoing riots. The violence reportedly cooled after implementing nighttime curfews in Paris and other major cities. However, the damage inflicted totaled over $1 billion, as estimated by financial services firm Morningstar, affecting small businesses and historic buildings.
The unrest in France has resonated with American conservatives, viewing it as a sign of declining European social cohesion. They consider it a warning for the United States. Simon Hankinson, former U.S. consul in Marseille, labeled these riots a “warning sign.” Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro attributed the issues to “an out-of-control welfare state, left-wing radicalism, and third world immigration.”
“Western liberals imported the third world into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion,” said Vice President JD Vance.
American liberals, like California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, pointed to economic grievances as a cause of unrest. Though condemning violence and vandalism, Khanna acknowledged the underlying economic concerns.
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