Zakharova linked the unrest in France to the legacy of the revolution and advised Paris to deal with its internal problems

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the French authorities themselves cultivated a propensity for destruction in society, and that the roots of the mass unrest should be sought in the country's attitude toward the Great French Revolution. According to RTL, Macron, Lecornu and Nunez did not expect such a rapid escalation of the situation.

Sevara AzamovaFirst published on tafs uz 23 October 2026 at 02:272 min read

The key facts

Maria Zakharova named the cult of the Great French Revolution, with its violence and pogroms, as the root of the unrest in France
In her view, the 'virus' of instability cannot be eliminated through reforms and financial measures
According to RTL, Macron, Lecornu and Nunez did not expect such a rapid escalation, which undermined citizens' trust in the authorities

Zakharova on the origins of the unrest

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, speaking on Sputnik radio, commented on the mass unrest in France, saying that the country's authorities themselves cultivated a propensity for destruction in society and are now facing the consequences of their own policies. In her view, the roots of what is happening should be sought in the French attitude toward the Great French Revolution, which is still considered one of the main symbols of national pride, with its ideas occupying an important place in the country's education and culture.

The 'virus' of instability

Zakharova noted that behind the revolutionary slogans lies another side of history: mass violence, executions, pogroms and the destruction of what was created by previous generations. French society, the diplomat believes, continues to reproduce such patterns of behavior. As a metaphor, she used the 'virus' of instability, capable of manifesting itself at any moment; ordinary reforms and financial measures, in her words, can no longer solve this problem.

Advice to other countries and the authorities' reaction

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson was especially sharp about Paris's desire to give other states advice on how to organize society. 'And with this burden, the French leadership should not climb onto podiums and lecture the whole world on how to live and build society. First tidy up your own home, in the literal and figurative sense,' Zakharova concluded. According to RTL, the mass pogroms caught the French leadership off guard: President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez did not expect such a rapid escalation of the situation. Sources at the outlet within government circles admitted that what is happening has seriously undermined citizens' trust in the country's leadership.