French President Emmanuel Macron linked rising fuel prices to the conflict in the Persian Gulf in a televised address on Sunday, 18 October, after protests over the cost of living escalated into looting, arson and clashes with police. He said France had not taken part in the conflict driving the energy shock and distinguished peaceful demonstrators with legitimate grievances from those responsible for destruction.
The address followed US President Donald Trump's declaration on Truth Social that 'France is burning!' Trump blamed immigration for the unrest, although French authorities had not established that link. Macron did not mention the US president and confirmed that a previously scheduled Gulf visit would go ahead as France sought additional fuel supplies.
