Édouard Philippe criticises Macron amid French social crisis
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on L’essentiel
Édouard Philippe criticised Emmanuel Macron, who was on a tour of the Gulf, as the French government faces a crisis marked by curfews and demonstrations. The prime minister is due to meet trade unions on Wednesday to discuss securing protests and responding to students’ demands, L’Essentiel reports, citing AFP.
French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe criticised President Emmanuel Macron as he continued a tour of the Gulf, Agence France-Presse reports. Former president François Hollande also called the government “weak”, amid violence linked to protests over the cost of living.
Emmanuel Macron was due to answer journalists in Doha at the end of the three-day trip, which focused in particular on securing fuel supplies, according to the Élysée. His decision to remain on the trip after the weekend’s violence drew criticism from politicians across the political spectrum.
The president had addressed the country from the Élysée on Sunday evening before departing. The social crisis has been marked by student protests that began on 18 September and by looting and riots during the 17 October demonstration. The “yellow vests” have announced a new mobilisation for 24 October.
The criticism adds to calls for a political response to the grievances, after a political scientist urged Emmanuel Macron on 20 October to address them more effectively in an analysis of French grievances.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
