French Debt Limits Macron's Response to Protests, Says Sociologist

Emmanuelle Barozet, a University of Chile sociologist, says France's high public debt limits President Emmanuel Macron's ability to respond to social protests over the cost of living. She notes the government is deploying judicial and social responses, including curfews and potential new measures. Around 2,500 arrested protesters are being processed, with Macron also traveling to the Middle East to negotiate oil prices. Barozet argues that right-wing critiques of the welfare state ignore its post-World War II origins and the economic and demographic changes that have strained its funding. The crisis could boost far-right leader Marine Le Pen electorally, though her conviction for EU fund misuse may impact her prospects. Barozet adds that Macron's pandemic-era spending deepened France's debt, making further borrowing increasingly expensive.