Embattled French President Emmanuel Macron recently spoke about the unrest in France, attributing some of the blame to the U.S. conflict in Iran. His remarks sparked criticism from experts. Macron noted that demonstrators were concerned about living costs and fuel prices, both affected by the Persian Gulf conflict, which France did not participate in. Despite understanding these concerns, he emphasized initiatives to secure energy resources.
Macron plans to visit the Gulf region to discuss energy matters amid protests drawing varied participants, including students, climate activists, former Yellow Vests, and farmers, ahead of the presidential election. These protests have brought together approximately 200,000 individuals nationwide, including 40,000 in Paris.
“I fully understand their concern. It is being expressed in several other European capitals as well. That is why I have taken several initiatives at the international level to secure our fuel and our gas and to act on energy markets,” Macron said.
Lisa Daftari, an Iran expert, stated that the conflict and high fuel prices stem from Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global energy supplies. She emphasized that the widespread lawlessness, including fires and lootings, overshadows the concern over fuel prices.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu accused the ultra-left movement of orchestrating disorder ahead of the presidential election. Barak Seener from the Henry Jackson Society warned about immigration from various regions serving as a threat to Western civilization.
Vice President JD Vance criticized France’s immigration policy in a social media post, suggesting that a lack of attention to assimilation led to current issues.
Seener highlighted how Macron’s views at the United Nations and reframing of reality do not address underlying issues contributing to unrest. He pointed to a Red-Green alliance influencing the riots, involving radical left groups and Muslim organizations.
Benjamin Weinthal reports on Middle Eastern and European developments. You can follow him on Twitter @BenWeinthal and contact him via email at [email protected].