US officials have said they are monitoring the developing situation. "Our thoughts are with the French people fighting for democracy," said the White House Spokesperson, adding that any attempts by Macron to use violence to stifle the peaceful protests will be met with condemnation and heavy sanctions.

Meanwhile, in Bruxelles Ursula von der Leyen said that it is obvious the French people want change and freedom. "We have been worried by reports coming from France, the EU stands with the people of France and will do anything to help assist a peaceful transition of power", she said.

In cities across Europe people have come out into the street to protest against Macron, holding banners that say "Macron = murderer" and "ICC Trial for Macron now!" Countries bordering France have increased security on their borders and all European airline operators have temporarily suspended flights to and from France.

Many are saying Macron will not go without a fight, describing him as an old, sick man with nothing to lose, desperately clinging to power.

  • shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip
    ·
    12 days ago

    It's crazy, because when you think of the insane countries in the world, France is generally not the one you come up with, maybe like Somalia or North Korea or something. But France, seriously?

    • multitotal@lemmygrad.ml
      hexagon
      ·
      12 days ago

      when you think of the insane countries in the world, France is generally not the one you come up with, maybe like Somalia

      Ironically, Somalis would disagree as France has been dumping nuclear waste in Somalia. France is also a colonial power with colonies in South America, Africa and the Pacific. They just declares them part of France proper so apparently they don't count as colonies cause people born there are citizens of France (instead of something they would have chosen themselves).

      France has also been cutting down their welfare. Most recently the new retirement law that was met with opposition and protests, but Macron pushed it through anyway.

      That's ignoring the ongoing exploitation and adventurism in Africa, recently they were kicked out of Mali. France was also instrumental in the NATO invasion of Libya, one for pretty much initiating it at the order of Sarkozy (I think it was Sarkozy), and two for securing 1/4 of all of Libyas oil for its oil companies.

      The media image of France and every other Western country is "not insane", yet when all of their actions are taken into account and objectively examined one will find that France and the other "not insane" countries have a much more negative effect, on their own people as well as other peoples, on the environment and on our collective future much more than the "insane" countries we hear so much about.

      • shortwavesurfer@lemmy.zip
        ·
        12 days ago

        Yeah, good point. It's hard to get out of that media filter bubble. That the West tries so hard to keep in place.

        • multitotal@lemmygrad.ml
          hexagon
          ·
          12 days ago

          Yup. It also shines a light on how powerful these narratives are and how they can mold our perception towards not only countries, but everything else... including our selves. 😱