Shocking picture

Peaceful protest is a fundamental right in any democracy, but it must remain within the bounds of the law and respect the authority of the state (“Macron notes ‘failures’ after France unrest,” Oct.19, Gulf Today website).

People in France are protesting against their elected government because of the high cost of living and fuel, deteriorating public services, teacher shortages, and government austerity measures.

There is no doubt that protesters in France have legitimate demands and are urging their civilian government to address key issues to improve people’s lives. However, the way they are expressing their demands is not democratically acceptable. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Violent protests will not benefit the people of France.

It is painful to watch beautiful places and buildings in France burning in videos shared online, as the protests have saddened people around the world. It is now the responsibility of the French government to begin negotiations with protest leaders, address the key issues, and resolve them as soon as possible.

Usman Arain,
By email