France protests

The images and videos of destruction caused by protesters in France, one of the world’s most beautiful countries, are deeply saddening and painful to see (“Macron vows order, calls foreign criticism of unrest ‘stupid’,” Oct.22, Gulf Today website).

Protesters in France are demanding that the government address chronic underfunding in schools, the rising cost of living, and broader public spending cuts.

In my personal opinion, it is a fundamental right of people to protest against government policies that affect their lives. However, no one has the right to engage in violent protests against the government.

It is time for the French government to deal with the protesters in accordance with the country's laws and also address the key issues that are making ordinary people's lives miserable in France.

Shahid Salman,
By email