French Unrest Gives Le Pen Opening to Criticize Macron

Violent unrest across France has given Marine Le Pen an opening to portray President Emmanuel Macron’s government as unable to maintain order, while Macron has acknowledged failures in anticipating the violence and gathering intelligence. The unrest’s political effect remains uncertain, and the people responsible have not been independently established in the accounts reviewed. Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, said France was caught between violence and government powerlessness. She presented the next presidential election as a choice between the current situation and a path of authority and restored security. Her remarks place public order at the center of her political argument as she seeks the presidency in 2027. Macron described those involved as seditious groups, ultra-left anarchists and opportunistic criminals. He also acknowledged failures in anticipation and intelligence gathering by authorities. Reports described looting and damage to public buildings, including fires at Lyon’s tourist information office and Limoges City Hall. Curfews followed the unrest, according to accounts of the events, but the reports do not establish who organized or drove the violence....