'Six months before the French election, the campaign risks already being decided against a backdrop of fear, exasperation and demands for authority'

France has faced escalating violence in recent years, marked by protests and riots linked to various social movements. The unrest has roots in earlier protests against labor reforms and the Yellow Vest movement, culminating in significant riots following the police shooting of a teenager in 2023. A new wave of violence emerged in 2026 during a Champions League celebration, leading to mass arrests and heightened tensions between demonstrators and law enforcement. Each incident has prompted restrictions on civil liberties, particularly the right to protest, raising concerns about the erosion of democracy. The justice system has also faced pressure for rapid judgments against young detainees, often without adequate legal representation. The far-right has criticized the Constitutional Council for limiting police powers to manage unrest, highlighting a growing authoritarian sentiment.