As France reels from a weekend of violent protests, a leading Socialist MEP has delivered a blunt verdict on the government's handling of public order. Jean-Marc Germain, a member of the Socialists & Democrats group in the European Parliament, told journalists that the scenes of rioting and destruction represent a "big failure of government."
Speaking from Strasbourg, Germain said the unrest has allowed rioters to "destroy shops and public buildings" with impunity, a situation he described as unacceptable in a modern European democracy. His comments come after a wave of demonstrations that began with a student protest over living conditions and quickly spiraled into clashes with police and widespread vandalism.
Despite his harsh criticism, Germain stopped short of calling for President Emmanuel Macron to step down. "It's elections that have to solve this issue," he insisted, arguing that the democratic process, not a change of leadership, is the proper remedy. However, he warned that restoring law and order is "the condition" for a credible election process, suggesting that without it, the political system itself could be undermined.
A country on edge
The weekend's violence was concentrated in several cities, including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, where protesters clashed with riot police, set vehicles ablaze, and smashed storefronts. The government has since announced extended curfews in affected areas, while Interior Minister Sébastien Lecornu has vowed to restore order. Authorities have also arrested a suspect in connection with the arson attack on the town hall in Limoges, one of the most shocking incidents of the weekend.
The unrest has not only raised political tensions but also economic concerns. The tourism sector, a vital part of the French economy, is already feeling the impact, with bookings reportedly declining as foreign visitors reconsider their plans. Meanwhile, financial markets have taken notice: the yield on French 10-year government bonds briefly topped 5% for the first time since 2002, a sign of growing investor unease.
Germain's remarks reflect a broader anxiety within the political establishment. Even as Macron has rebuked foreign leaders for allegedly exploiting the crisis, domestic critics argue that the government's response has been reactive rather than preventive. Some officials have even suggested external interference, with allegations of a Russian hand in the planning of the riots, though no concrete evidence has been presented.
What comes next
The immediate outlook remains tense. Trade unions have called for a general strike on November 5, and further protests are expected this coming weekend. Germain, while critical of the government, urged all sides to avoid further violence. "We must not let the extremists on either side dictate the agenda," he said.
For now, the focus is on whether the government can regain control and restore public confidence. As Germain put it, the coming weeks will be a test not just of the executive's ability to maintain order, but of the resilience of French democracy itself.
