French unrest prompts debate over police conduct and Macron's handling of protests

Summary

Unrest in France has raised questions about political accountability, police exhaustion and a growing confrontation between citizens and the state. Dr Joseph Downing, Senior Lecturer in International Relations and Politics at Aston University, argues that France must reassess how the state exercises authority and responds to both violent unrest and legitimate social movements. He points to the country's centralised policing culture and its revolutionary traditions, and warns of the wider threat of Russian information warfare.

Timeline

1. France 24

   20 Oct 2026, 11:49 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Dr Joseph Downing argues France must reassess how the state exercises authority and responds to both violent unrest and legitimate social movements, and that French unrest raises questions about political accountability and police exhaustion.