The urban violence that has gripped France over the past week has been wilfully misunderstood.
Some still claim that the widespread rioting is part of a protest about education or the cost of living. Others unthinkingly insist that it is simply part of French people’s long-standing, popular tradition of taking to the streets to make their views known. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of the Islamo-leftist La France Insoumise (LFI), has even invoked the spirit of the May 1968 protests – when student revolts and a general strike brought France to a standstill – to justify the riots. Rival politicians and commentators have since rounded on Mélenchon and blamed LFI for encouraging and licensing the violent behaviour of the rioters.
Don’t believe your lyin eyes!
— Blazingcatfur (@fancypants_s) October 21, 2026
