French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the rising unrest in France during a televised speech, attributing some of the turmoil to the U.S. war on the Iranian regime. His remarks sparked criticism from analysts.
Macron blamed the U.S.-led conflict in the Persian Gulf for escalating living costs, stating, “demonstrators expressed concern about the cost of living and the price of fuel. Both are driven by the conflict launched in the Persian Gulf, a conflict in which France has taken no part but whose consequences we are suffering.” He noted similar concerns exist in other European capitals, prompting his initiatives to secure fuel and stabilize energy markets.
Macron plans a trip to the Gulf for energy crisis talks. Nationwide protests over living costs brought together diverse groups, estimated at 200,000 participants across France, including 40,000 in Paris. It’s unclear which protesters specifically cited fuel prices as a concern. Reports suggest various groups are pushing to challenge the free market system.
Macron emphasized accountability, warning those “trying to bring down the republic” will face consequences.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump commented, “I told Macron to manage his borders. You’re going to ruin your country. And they’ve ruined their country. It’s going to be hard to get it back. But hopefully France will come back.” A French foreign ministry spokesman referred inquiries to Macron’s speech, and the Elysée press office did not respond to further questions.
Lisa Daftari, an Iran expert, explained, “Macron blames the Iran war, but expensive fuel results from Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, impacting global energy.” Daftari questions if protests genuinely concern fuel prices, noting widespread lawlessness, including fires and looting, beyond mere cost-of-living demonstrations. Daftari attributes blame to ultra-left groups and criminals within France’s crisis.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu accused the “ultra-left movement” of causing disorder before elections. Barak Seener, associated with the Henry Jackson Society, highlighted illegal immigration impacting France, stating “calls to globalize the intifada and free Gaza aim to subvert Western civilization.” Seener criticizes Macron for ignoring these factors.
Vice President JD Vance criticized France’s immigration policies on social media. Vance wrote, “Western liberals imported the third world into France, ignoring assimilation issues, leading to current unrest.” Seener criticized France’s stance on a Palestinian state, suggesting Macron reframes reality to suit political objectives.
Seener also pointed out Macron’s missteps, including addressing the rise in oil prices due to U.S. actions against Iran while overlooking domestic issues. Seener highlighted the Red-Green alliance comprising radical left and Muslim organizations contributing to the unrest.
Benjamin Weinthal reports on Middle Eastern and European affairs.
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