PARIS: Protests against President Emmanuel Macron’s government have spread across France, with major cities including Paris, Lyon and Marseille witnessing street demonstrations, arson and violent clashes between police and protesters. Trade unions, high school and university students, public-sector employees and ordinary citizens have taken part, and the unrest has been described as spiralling out of control in several areas.
Analysts attribute the crisis to what they describe as five policy and strategic missteps by the government. Education cuts. The movement began in schools and universities after the government made deep cuts to education and public spending in the name of reducing the fiscal deficit. The cuts have been blamed for a severe teacher shortage, overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating infrastructure. What started as a peaceful student movement intensified after demands were ignored and workers and unions joined.
Cost of living
Rising inflation and soaring food, electricity, gas and fuel prices tested public patience. Unions allege that the government offered no relief while giving corporations tax breaks.
Governing without consensus
Macron is accused of disregarding public opinion in his second term by pushing through pension reforms and a new austerity budget using special parliamentary powers, without consulting opposition parties or unions.
Security misjudgement.
The government and intelligence agencies are said to have underestimated the scale of the protests, allowing anarchists to infiltrate early rallies in Paris and other cities. Government buildings and historic sites were set on fire, shops were damaged and vehicles burnt. The government has acknowledged that its security assessments were flawed.
Welfare state concerns
Many see the budget cuts as an attack on France’s welfare model, drawing in health workers, civil servants, farmers and retirees.
The economy and tourism are suffering. Experts say dialogue with unions and public bodies, rather than force, would be the most effective way to ease the crisis.