Emmanuel Macron must take responsibility instead of blaming Brexit and Donald Trump
Anglophile American commentator Lee Cohen writes why it is time for France to take responsibility rather than passing on the blame
TL;DR
- France experienced significant unrest, leading to night-time curfews in Paris and other cities.
- President Macron deflected criticism by calling comments from foreign leaders 'unacceptable' and 'stupid', specifically mentioning Donald Trump.
- French ministers, including Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, admitted failures in intelligence and policing.
- Britain has committed over £1 billion to France for patrols on French beaches, yet migrant crossings continue.
- Macron had previously suggested Brexit was a contributing factor to migrant crossings, while also taking British funds.
- A police 4x4, allegedly bought with British money, was filmed charging at protesting school pupils in Dunkirk.
- Brussels has also benefited from agreements, including fishing rights until 2038, while Britain faces the financial burden.
- Despite claims that protests began over school closures and cost of living, and no direct link to immigrants, the unrest highlights a failure of the French state to control its cities.
- Marine Le Pen's popularity has increased since the riots.