French protests: Is it game over for Macron’s centrists before elections?

After violent nationwide protests, Emmanuel Macron acknowledged students’ concerns about the education system while condemning rioters and vowing that those responsible for destruction and looting would be held accountable. Yanis, a 20-year-old from Ivry-sur-Seine, dismissed the president’s speech as vague and said young people would keep demonstrating every weekend until something changed. Months ahead of the 2027 presidential election, the unrest is sharpening political divisions: Jean-Luc Mélenchon has embraced the student movement, Marine Le Pen has focused on public order, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has accused the far left of stoking violence.