Curfews for France, red carpets for Macron: Can his Gulf mission deliver more than photo ops? | NATO

France is gripped by widespread protests as President Emmanuel Macron heads to the Gulf for talks on energy supplies, economic cooperation and defence ties. His October 19–21 tour includes Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar, with France seeking oil and diesel supplies to ease pressure on fuel prices. Meanwhile, unrest at home has escalated, with reports of looting, burning cars, attacks on public buildings and the torching of Limoges’ historic town hall. Macron has condemned the violence as “shocking” and rejected his interior minister’s offer to resign. As the French president pursues Gulf partnerships, can his government contain the growing crisis at home?