Mass protests and looting broke out across France on October 17, with demonstrations on October 24 and a rally for October 31.
Polls show Macron’s coalition candidates trailing Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, while center-right leaders Gabriel Attal, Édouard Philippe and Bruno Retailleau cannot agree on a unified strategy.
The NFL held a Saints-Steelers game at Stade de France on October 25, adding security.
South Carolina women’s basketball went to Paris for a November 2 game, schedule unchanged despite protests.
Right
Trump blames immigration
Mass protests and looting erupted across France on Oct. 17, spreading to additional demonstrations on Oct. 24 and planned for Oct. 31.
U.S. President Donald Trump linked the unrest to France’s immigration policies and warned President Emmanuel Macron the country could be lost.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported nearly 1,000 arrests during the nationwide protests.
President Emmanuel Macron said ultra-left groups aim to overthrow the Republic.
Blindspot
Post-unrest polls show Macron’s coalition candidates trailing Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, with five surveys indicating they are likely to be eliminated in the first round.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Right-leaning coverage.
History
In May 1968, student uprisings and a general strike involving roughly 10 million workers paralyzed France and forced President Charles de Gaulle to call a June election. The Gaullist counter-march of over 300,000 supporters showed the deep political split. October protests against the National Rally and La France Insoumise echo those 1968 mobilizations, reminding Macron’s government that unresolved socioeconomic grievances can still destabilize French politics.
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Coalition trailing polls
Mass protests and looting broke out across France on October 17, with demonstrations on October 24 and a rally for October 31.
Polls show Macron’s coalition candidates trailing Marine Le Pen and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, while center-right leaders Gabriel Attal, Édouard Philippe and Bruno Retailleau cannot agree on a unified strategy.
The NFL held a Saints-Steelers game at Stade de France on October 25, adding security.
South Carolina women’s basketball went to Paris for a November 2 game, schedule unchanged despite protests.
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Nearly 1,000 Arrests as France Protests Spread Nationwide | Drooid
