How French presidential hopefuls turn unrest into campaign ammo – RT reports
France's presidential candidates are exploiting nationwide protests over underfunded schools and rising living costs to campaign for the 2027 election, with right-wing front runner Marine Le Pen blaming collapsing state authority.
The unrest began in September over underfunded schools and rising living costs, escalating into widespread violence with rioters torching cars, looting thousands of businesses, and setting fire to Limoges' 143-year-old city hall. Clashes have left hundreds injured and resulted in thousands of arrests.
In particularly disturbing incidents, a 15-year-old boy lost a hand to a police grenade, while a 17-year-old girl permanently lost sight in one eye after being struck by a projectile in Mulhouse. President Macron blamed radical-left militants and criminals for much of the destruction, ordering local authorities to ban protests and restrict officially organized marches.
Campaign Responses
Le Pen has urged a tougher crackdown on rioters, blaming collapsing state authority. National Rally president Jordan Bardella accused far-left militants and criminals from the suburbs for the unrest, proposing to suspend family benefits for repeat offenders and make vandals pay for damage.
Our country is caught in a vice, if not held hostage, between violence and powerlessness.
Left vs. Right
On the left, Melenchon backed the protests while pointing to a growing disconnect between the public and institutions. 'France Unbowed' leader declared that French democracy is in a very bad way, calling for greater public participation and constitutional change.
Former prime ministers Gabriel Attal and Edouard Philippe sought to distance themselves from Macron, whose approval rating has sunk to a record low of 15%. Attal emphasized defending people and property, while Philippe called for reestablishing state authority and restoring dialogue with students and unions.
Polling Position
Recent polls show Le Pen holding a commanding lead over her rivals. An OpinionWay survey placed her at 36% in the first round, compared to 16% for Melenchon and 12% for Philippe. An Ifop-Fiducial poll after the October 17 unrest showed Le Pen winning every hypothetical second-round matchup, including 56% against Philippe and 68% against Melenchon.
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