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

https://mins.news/en/item/106111

- France 24, 2026-10-19 11:00 UTC
- Politics
- Original: https://www.france24.com/en/video/20261019-les-mis%C3%A9rables-macron-s-sense-of-detachment-amid-rising-living-costs-youth-fears-for-the-future

> 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.

## Related coverage

- [Macron grows increasingly isolated amid unrest across France](https://mins.news/en/item/106616) — euronews, 2026-10-19
- [Ferocious criticism from all sides underscores Macron’s isolation](https://mins.news/en/item/106617) — The Guardian, 2026-10-19
- [Les Misérables: Macron’s ‘sense of detachment’ amid rising costs and youth fears](https://mins.news/en/video/106116) — France 24 English, 2026-10-19