Where’s Macron? French leader blasted for attending concert as riots escalated
Emmanuel Macron faced criticism for attending a Celine Dion concert on Friday as protests planned for the following day escalated into serious unrest across France. The demonstrations began over living costs, school conditions and public services, then spread into clashes, fires, looting and attacks on public buildings, prompting questions about the government’s preparations and response.
Authorities reported nearly 1,800 arrests, including 855 in the Paris region, and more than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters injured. More than 550,000 people took part, according to authorities, while organisers estimated about 800,000; one protester died after a cardiac arrest. Macron condemned the destruction and was due to address the nation on Sunday evening, while businesses reported heavy losses, including 50 damaged Carrefour stores.
- Macron was criticised for going to a concert before nationwide protests.
- Nearly 1,800 people were arrested as unrest spread across France.
- Authorities reported more than 500 emergency personnel injured.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Critics could argue that attending a concert while unrest was escalating sent a poor signal about the president’s attentiveness and judgement, especially as people were preparing to protest over living costs and public services. Even if the concert preceded the worst violence, visible leadership matters during a fast-moving crisis, and Macron could have prioritised public engagement or made clear what preparations were under way.
The case against
Defenders could argue that the concert took place before the following day’s demonstrations escalated into serious unrest, so judging the decision with hindsight risks overstating what Macron could have known at the time. A president need not cancel every personal commitment in anticipation of protests, and the substantive test is whether the government prepared adequately, responded effectively and addressed the concerns behind the demonstrations.