Unrest in France, sparked by widespread protests over rising living costs, shows no signs of abating.
Marine Le Pen spoke before President Macron, delivering a video address in which she articulated sentiments the president has thus far avoided confronting.
Le Pen stated, “You have seen our cities, our streets, our nation subjected to brutal treatment, abuse, and looting. We are facing a profound crisis of trust and authority… the state is caught between violence and incompetence, even held hostage.”
She attributed the situation to “decades of uncontrolled migration” and the absence of consequences for those who commit acts of destruction and theft.
Le Pen described Macron as a “ghost-like” president devoid of authority, “completely disconnected from reality.”
Her solution was straightforward: if you break the law, you must pay the price. “Violence is not an opinion.”
Le Pen demonstrated leadership earlier than Macron did.
Subsequently, Macron convened a meeting and delivered a televised address: “The judicial process must serve as a model; anyone committing a crime will face appropriate legal consequences; those who damage property must bear the cost of restitution; those who engage in looting must repay what they took; those who seek to undermine the Republic will be held accountable.”
His remarks amounted to a near verbatim repetition of Le Pen’s statements—though he omitted her more pointed language regarding “crisis of trust and authority,” “incompetence,” and “hostage-taking,” terms that remain politically sensitive for him.
On the 19th, Macron visited Gulf states to secure France’s energy supply.
With domestic conditions deteriorating so visibly, the decision to travel abroad speaks volumes about priorities—or perhaps the limits of political courage.
Protests erupt across multiple European countries
Original: toutiao.com/article/1879441600814080/
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