Recent social unrest in France has highlighted a widening gap between public concerns and the government’s security-driven reactions, according to Andrew Smith of Queen Mary University of London. Despite largely peaceful demonstrations, accompanying violence points to shortcomings in policing strategies. President Emmanuel Macron’s response has been criticized as lacking substantive solutions to the underlying issues. Smith connects the current situation to France’s history of protest, citing a confluence of factors including economic insecurity, inequalities in education, and political deadlock. He cautions that increased repression could worsen the crisis, advocating instead for a revitalized approach to participatory social democracy within France. The situation in France demands addressing the root causes of discontent, rather than simply focusing on security measures.