Politics‘Les Misérables’: Macron’s ‘sense of detachment’ amid rising costs and youth fears

France’s escalating protests reveal a growing gap between political leaders and public frustration, renewing questions about the country’s history of social unrest. Chris Reynolds, a French and European Studies professor at Nottingham Trent University, says Emmanuel Macron’s latest address showed a troubling detachment and did little to address the demonstrations’ structural grievances. He warns that violence could overshadow largely peaceful protesters’ legitimate concerns, erode public sympathy and reshape debate ahead of the presidential election.

France protestsEmmanuel Macroncost of livingyouth concerns

FFrance 24★★★☆☆2026-10-19 11:00Original