Macron travels to Kuwait for energy talks amid riots in France
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French President Emmanuel Macron departed for Kuwait to discuss energy issues while riots over fuel prices and other grievances continued across France.
French President Emmanuel Macron left for Kuwait on Sunday to pursue energy negotiations in the Arabian Gulf as riots spread across several French cities. The unrest, which began as student protests over classroom conditions, expanded over the weekend to involve a variety of groups, according to a Fox News Digital investigation.
Macron condemned the violence in a nationwide address, describing it as "unbridled" and linking rising fuel prices to the disturbances. He also rejected calls for the resignation of his interior minister despite acknowledging security shortcomings.
Opposition figures criticized the president's handling of the situation. Right-wing presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said France was "caught in a vice between violence and impotence," while left-wing candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused the government of relying on "inaction and police brutality" to quell the riots.
French authorities reported more than 2,500 arrests related to the demonstrations and imposed overnight curfews in Paris and other major cities, which officials say have helped reduce the violence. An analysis by Morningstar estimated damages from the unrest at over $1 billion.
The riots occur as France approaches its presidential election, with candidates from across the political spectrum seeking to capitalize on public discontent.