The Guardian view on France’s protests: a polarised country is in a perilous political moment
The scenes of social unrest and violence at the weekend are an ominous portent, ahead of elections which may deliver a far-right presidency
TL;DR
- Social unrest and violence in France are seen as a warning sign before elections that could result in a far-right presidency.
- President Macron's political project appears to have failed, with his second term marked by protests and escalating tensions.
- The protests highlight a broken social contract, with young people disillusioned by an underfunded education system and fearful of the future.
- The far-right, particularly Marine Le Pen, is capitalizing on the crisis by presenting herself as a law-and-order solution.
- France is heading towards a significant political event in six months, with current polls indicating a widening lead for the far right.