France on the barricades: the preview that could shake Europe

A wave of protests in France, which began with high school student demonstrations over the state of education, has expanded into a protest against the cost of living. Elite university students have joined, and far-left activists are pushing for chaos. The economic damage is estimated at hundreds of millions of euros, with 1,500 businesses attacked. More than 500 police officers have been injured and 2,400 arrested. The article warns of exploitation of the riots by the nationalist right ahead of the 2027 elections.

France is in turmoil: a broad wave of protests, which began with high school student demonstrations over the state of the education system, has expanded into a protest against the cost of living with the joining of the Yellow Vests. Elite university students, described as 'sated and spoiled', joined in a show of solidarity. Meanwhile, far-left activists from the 'France Unbowed' party are pushing for chaos, hoping to recruit those disappointed by President Macron's economic policies. The economic damage is estimated at hundreds of millions of euros, with 1,500 businesses attacked. More than 500 security personnel have been injured and 2,400 arrested. The article notes concern that the riots will help the nationalist right, led by Marine Le Pen, in the 2027 elections. President Macron called on the French not to let violence harm the democratic process. The article raises the theory of Russian online agitation, and notes that Palestinian flags have become a permanent symbol in the protests. Additionally, a break-in at a synagogue in Paris was reported.