Macron's centrist deputies revolt over government's handling of October 17 violence

French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist parliamentary group, Ensemble pour la République, sharply criticized the government's handling of weekend violence during a tense meeting on Tuesday, October 20. Lawmakers expressed fury over the perceived lack of response to the unrest. Former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne said she was "stunned" by the government's failure to control the situation. Deputies also attacked Macron for attending a Céline Dion concert the day before the protests, noting no official response came until Monday's crisis cell meeting. One lawmaker admitted the government "screwed up" and failed to anticipate events. The criticism reflects broader frustration that the government is waiting until the next presidential election rather than acting immediately. One deputy said he was "ashamed" of the crisis management, while others insisted they could not remain permanent guarantors for the government.