Ismail Baghaei criticizes Emmanuel Macron over French protest response

Ismail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has issued a sharp critique of French President Emmanuel Macron regarding his response to domestic unrest in France. Baghaei accused Macron of maintaining a double standard, noting that while France previously encouraged peaceful protests in Iran, the French government is now taking a hardline stance against property damage and attacks on institutions during its own recent protests.

Baghaei further criticized France's geopolitical alignment, suggesting that Macron's previous communications with the United States regarding Iran contributed to regional instability. He warned that the consequences of political alliances and actions can eventually return to affect those who designed them, quoting Jean de La Fontaine to emphasize that betrayal or cunning schemes may ultimately harm their architects.

Separately, political scientist Yuri Sutov commented on the domestic situation in France, suggesting that Macron is unlikely to resign despite ongoing protests. Sutov argued that political opponents may not benefit from a leadership change, as it could shift the responsibility for the unrest onto a new administration, and noted that Macron would likely resist leaving office.