Macron Blames 200,000-Strong French Unrest on Iran War as Critics Cite 2,400 Arrests
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 19
Macron Blames 200,000-Strong French Unrest on Iran War as Critics Cite 2,400 Arrests
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 19
Summary
Emmanuel Macron said France’s riots and looting were fueled in part by anger over living costs and fuel prices, tying both to the U.S.-Iran war in a televised address.
A three-nation Gulf trip is now planned to tackle the energy crunch, with Macron saying France did not join the conflict but is suffering its fallout through fuel and gas markets.
October 17 protests drew about 200,000 people nationwide, including 40,000 in Paris, before clashes, fires and looting spread and police made nearly 2,400 arrests in a single day.
French officials and outside analysts disputed Macron’s framing, with Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu blaming ultra-left groups and critics arguing the violence reflected organized domestic disorder more than diesel prices.
Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance used the unrest to attack France’s immigration and border policies, widening the political fallout ahead of the presidential election.