# Macron isolated as France protests intensify

> Macron faces growing isolation amid violent protests and political backlash.
- Title: Macron isolated as France protests intensify · euronews
- Summary: Macron faces growing isolation amid violent protests and political backlash. Macron's authority is under strain as protests over living costs and education…
- Keywords: emmanuel macron, france, protests, yellow vests, macron presidency, 2027 presidential election, public debt, inflation, security forces, police custody, news, world
- Source: euronews — https://euronews.com/2026/10/19/macron-increasingly-isolated-amid-unrest-across-france
- Author: Maïa De la Baume
- Published: 2026-10-19T16:38:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: emmanuel macron, france, protests, yellow vests, macron presidency, 2027 presidential election, public debt, inflation, security forces, police custody, news, world
## Violent protests erupt
Student protests over living conditions turned violent last Saturday, deepening Macron's political isolation.
## Macron under political fire
Macron faces criticism from across the political spectrum for handling security and education grievances.
## Record public debt and inflation
France grapples with record public debt, soaring fuel prices, and escalating international conflicts.
## Yellow Vests announce second act
The Yellow Vests movement plans further demonstrations next weekend after announcing a 'second act' on Monday.
## Macron condemns violence
Macron condemned violence and announced new security procedures for police forces.
## 855 arrests reported
The Paris prosecutor's office reported 855 arrests, with 557 people in police custody, 433 adults representing 78% of detainees.
## Macron's poll numbers drop
An Ipsos-BVA poll conducted in October found 82% of respondents viewed Macron's performance unfavorably.
## Le Pen capitalises on chaos
Marine Le Pen claims France was 'ravaged' by criminals and politicised professional rioters, focusing on migration and law and order.
## Former allies criticize Macron
Former prime ministers Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal criticize Macron's handling of the crisis and his decision to dissolve the National Assembly.
## Key takeaway

Macron's authority is under strain as protests over living costs and education escalate, with 855 arrests reported and his government criticized across political lines.