Emmanuel Macron begins Gulf tour following violent domestic protests

French President Emmanuel Macron has started a three-day visit to Gulf states to focus on fuel supplies and strategic ties, France 24 and RFI reported on October 18 and 19. According to France 24, Macron will first travel to Kuwait before visiting the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar. [1][7]

The diplomatic tour follows widespread unrest across France over the high cost of living and rising fuel prices, according to BBC News and Al Jazeera. BBC News reported that around 550,000 demonstrators took part in largely peaceful protests on Saturday, but the situation turned into rioting, looting and destruction of public buildings. [2][3][6]

In a national address from the Élysée Palace, Macron called for calm and order, warning participants not to escalate the situation, BBC News reported. The Irish Times noted that more than 2,000 people were arrested during the unrest. Al Jazeera reported that Macron declined an offer to resign from Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, who acknowledged that police lost control during the weekend demonstrations. [2][3][6]

The Élysée Palace stated that Macron will seek commitments for additional deliveries of diesel during his visits, France 24 reported. RFI added that the tour aims to strengthen economic, defence and security ties with the four regional partners while easing France's domestic energy shortages. [1][7][10]