Paris, 24 August 2024. As world leaders gather for the G7 summit in Biarritz, France is gripped by widespread protests. Demonstrators, largely from the gilets jaunes movement and allied groups, have taken to the streets across the country, denouncing President Macron’s economic policies and the perceived erosion of social welfare. Clashes with police have been reported in central Paris, Lyon, and Marseille. The unrest underscores a deeper malaise within the European Union, where political fragmentation and institutional fatigue have become recurring themes.
By contrast, Britain this week presented a picture of relative stability. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, navigating a post-Brexit landscape, has managed to maintain order and pursue a measured domestic agenda. While the UK is not immune to economic pressures, its institutional resilience and constitutional continuity stand in sharp relief to the volatility seen on the Continent.
The G7 summit itself is expected to be dominated by discussions on climate change, digital taxation, and global trade tensions. But the spectre of French instability will inevitably colour the proceedings. Protesters have vowed to disrupt the summit, and security forces are braced for further confrontations.
Critics of the French government argue that Macron’s top-down style and pro-business reforms have alienated the working and middle classes. The gilets jaunes, which first erupted in 2018, have struggled to sustain momentum, but the G7 has provided a fresh rallying point. Their grievances resonate across the EU, where populist and anti-system movements have gained ground in Italy, Spain, and Germany.
In London, official sources expressed concern but also an awareness that the UK’s relative calm is a diplomatic asset. The British delegation intends to advocate for free trade and climate action, while quietly reminding partners of the value of stable institutions. The contrast is unlikely to escape notice: a Britain that has left the EU but maintains its liberal democratic traditions, versus a union struggling to manage internal dissent.
The protests are a test for Macron, who has staked much on his international stature. With domestic support eroding, his ability to project authority on the world stage is diminished. For the EU, the spectacle of a founding member convulsed by unrest is a reminder that integration does not guarantee harmony.
As the summit opens, the question remains whether France can restore order without resorting to heavy-handed tactics that might fuel further anger. The world is watching, and the lessons for other democracies are clear: institutional trust is fragile, and economic progress must be inclusive to be sustainable.
