The Economist: ‘French history has long been marked by upheaval and revolt. The republic established by Charles de Gaulle in 1958 erupted a decade later in the student protests of May ’68; the following year the general resigned. Emmanuel Macron faced months of widespread and violent demonstrations by gilets jaunes (yellow jackets) in 2018-19; the president sent armoured vehicles rolling over the cobblestones of the capital to restore order.’

And: ‘“The casseurs are discrediting our movement,” complained Pauline, a 20-year-old student at the University of Bordeaux.’

As well: ‘There is a France that was not on the streets on Saturday, and knows what needs to be done. This silent constituency was out again in the terrace cafés in the late-autumn sunshine the day after the riots; one waiter in Bordeaux described the violence as “scandalous”.’

The silent majority prefers the terrace.

Let other people do the burning and the looting.

(a sf 2264)