In a France 24 video published Oct. 24, historian Andrew Smith said France’s ability to maintain order during renewed protests does not necessarily give the state the political capacity to answer demonstrators’ demands.
Smith studies modern France and is a historian at Queen Mary University of London. He said public order may be within the state’s reach even as political engagement with protesters’ demands remains beyond it.
“You can't police yourself into social cohesion. You can't police yourself into a political future,” Smith said. He added that “500,000 people on the streets of France doesn't happen by chance.”
Smith placed the demonstrations in a wider debate over presidential authority and the legitimacy of France’s democratic system.
