Protests in France

Lecornu promises a "massive" response to new protests

French authorities failed in their response during the weekend’s demonstrations, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised a major mobilization ahead of next weekend, Reuters reports.

The "Yellow Vests" protest movement has announced plans for further demonstrations on upcoming Saturdays.

"The response will be massive," Lecornu stated in parliament, according to AFP.

The Prime Minister accused far-left groups of planning an insurrection, declaring that authorities will not tolerate any marches toward the Élysée Palace—the presidential residence—or the Hôtel Matignon, his own official residence.

As of 9:00 PM on Tuesday, a curfew is once again in effect in parts of Paris.

Trump on the crisis in France: Borders need to be closed

US President Donald Trump has once again threatened to withdraw support from Europe. In a post on Truth Social late Monday night, he cited the protests in France as yet another example of why Europe must demonstrate decisive action if it wishes to retain the United States as an ally.

"We are loyal to Europe, despite its flaws, weaknesses, and—hopefully—its merely temporary lack of direction. But if they don’t find their way back soon, we will have no choice but to leave," he wrote.

Trump argues that the only way to resolve the crisis in France is to close the borders and expel "those who hate their country." Trump then mentions that he will not soon forget that Europe failed to assist the US in the war against Iran:

“Not that we needed the help; we asked more as a kind of test,” he writes.

Analysis: Macron’s inability exposes political inexperience

The protests in Paris have led French authorities to impose curfews in several major cities. However, the escalating violence is seen as a grim indication of President Emmanuel Macron’s inability to address the core issues driving the protests, reports The Guardian.

The unrest began as peaceful student demonstrations, aimed at improving the poor conditions faced by young French people. More recently, however, the movement has been hijacked by groups seizing the opportunity to commit criminal acts.

“Macron has acknowledged the ‘deep anguish’ felt by young people, yet he has offered no policy reforms,” writes Jon Henley for The Guardian.

According to some critics, the fact that Macron had never held an elected office before becoming president is now becoming apparent after nine years in power, Henley notes. His failure to provide leadership during this crisis has been interpreted by some as arrogance.

Erik de la Reguera of *Dagens Nyheter* views the implementation of curfews as a risky move.

“If these measures are extended and remain in place for more than a few days, questions will inevitably be raised,” he writes.