Dim Amor

While France faces a massive wave of protests and a deep political crisis, President Emmanuel Macron continues to focus on foreign affairs, particularly the Palestinian-Israeli issue. Eighteen hours ago, Macron published a statement announcing a joint international initiative with Saudi Arabia to advance the two-state solution.

"Today, under the leadership of France and Saudi Arabia, 142 countries adopted the New York Declaration for the implementation of the two-state solution. Together we are charting an irreversible path toward peace in the Middle East", Macron wrote on social media. The French president added that "France, Saudi Arabia and all their partners will be in New York to turn this peace plan into reality, within the framework of the conference on the two-state solution. Another future is possible. Two peoples, two states – Israel and Palestine – living side by side in peace and security. It depends on all of us to make this happen".

The initiative comes against the backdrop of strained relations between Macron and Israel. Not long ago, the Israeli Prime Minister refused to receive Macron in his office, a move that testified to the growing rift between the two countries. Macron's complex relations with Israel are also reflected in his social media activity, where he devotes considerable attention to issues concerning Ukraine and Palestine.

On September 11, Macron posted a photo on X with a message referring to the Israeli hostages: "We do not forget Nimrod Cohen, Avitar David, Guy Gilboa Dalal, Guy Iluz, nor any of the hostages still held by Hamas in inhumane conditions. France continues to work tirelessly for their immediate release. This is a top priority commitment".

On one hand, Macron raises claims regarding the hostages; on the other hand, he shows support for Hamas – the very organization responsible for their kidnapping. It seems that in his view, there is no connection between these matters. This raises the question: what is actually the IQ level of the French president?

However, Macron's focus on foreign affairs occurs while France itself is experiencing a severe internal crisis. The country is facing a wide-scale wave of protests, dubbed "Block Everything", during which over six hundred people were arrested in clashes with police forces. These protests erupted against the background of growing public anger over the high cost of living and austerity plans promoted by the French government.

France's political crisis reached its peak with the dissolution of François Bayrou's government after less than nine months in office, and the appointment of Sébastien Lecornu as the new Prime Minister. Protesters blocked major roads throughout the country and faced police tear gas in many cities and towns.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reported the arrest of nearly 600 people in the early stages of the "Block All" demonstrations. French authorities fear that in the evening and night hours, the protest will turn violent and deteriorate into actual riots.

In Paris itself, students rioted near the Sorbonne University in the center of the capital, and major roads in the city were blocked to traffic. The crisis also exacerbated the healthcare system, as workers declared a strike and several hospitals were forced to switch to emergency mode due to staff shortages. The metro service is also experiencing significant disruptions.

Against the backdrop of the severe crisis at home, Macron's choice to focus on international diplomatic initiatives raises questions about the French president's priorities. While millions of French citizens are dealing with high living costs and political instability, Macron continues to dedicate time and resources to resolving international conflicts.

The joint initiative with Saudi Arabia also raises questions about the composition of France's diplomatic partnerships and the influence of the country's large Muslim population on foreign policy formation. The New York Declaration, adopted by 142 countries, positions France and Saudi Arabia as leaders of the international effort to advance the two-state solution.

The tension between Macron's focus on the international arena and France's internal crisis creates a paradoxical reality in which the president works to bring peace to the Middle East while his country is in turmoil. The anticipated conference in New York to advance the two-state solution will take place against the backdrop of the internal upheavals France is experiencing, and will test whether Macron can maintain his international diplomatic status while his internal stability is being undermined.

On Macron's X network, the main preoccupation is with Israel and Palestine, with little attention to Russia and Ukraine – yet he is the president of France. Nothing is said about the demonstrations in France, there is no reference to the country's general condition, and about his people's challenges – complete silence. This raises the question: is he really the president of France?

It is not surprising that French citizens wish to replace a president who is perceived in their eyes as powerless.