France: the left on the streets, the far-right at the polls

In France, current student protests echo the events of May 1968, driven by social unrest and economic crisis. The protests began over specific issues like teacher shortages but have expanded to broader grievances, leading to significant police repression. The political landscape is strained, with President Macron facing a weakened position after dissolving the National Assembly. Economic challenges include stagnant growth and rising inflation, prompting unions to call for strikes. The violence during recent protests has shifted public sentiment towards the far-right, with Marine Le Pen's party gaining support as citizens increasingly view violence as a legitimate response to grievances. The upcoming presidential elections may see a resurgence of conservative votes, reminiscent of past political shifts following unrest.