Macron returns to Paris to quash riots he blames on ‘organized ultra-left groups’
French President Emmanuel Macron returned from his visit to the Gulf states this week triumphant, having secured a deal that would provide his country with an additional 200,000 metric tons of diesel per month.
TL;DR
- Macron secured a deal for 200,000 metric tons of diesel per month during his Gulf visit.
- He returned to France amidst violent riots and blames organized ultra-left groups for the unrest.
- Macron stated that canceling his trip would have shown nervousness and that maintaining it showed determination.
- He has vowed a military response to restore normalcy and accuses the left-wing party La France Insoumise of promoting the riots.
- French intelligence suggests left-wing groups are seeking to foment disorder until the 2027 presidential election.
- A leaked intelligence assessment claims the movement was an operation organized by LFI and far-left proxies.
- The government is meeting with political party leaders, police, and intelligence agencies to coordinate efforts for peace.
- LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon denies the accusations and threatens to disrupt government meetings.
- A nightly curfew has paused riots, but mass mobilization is planned for Saturday.
- Macron acknowledged government shortcomings in previous riot responses due to an 'element of surprise' and miscalculated mobilization numbers.