Macron Family Macaron Shop Guarded Amidst Riots, Sparking Outrage
French President's family business protected by elite police while other establishments burned, drawing accusations of preferential treatment and comparisons to historical extravagance.
A unit of elite CRS police was specifically deployed to guard the 'Jean Trogneux' macaron shop, a family business linked to French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, during recent anti-government riots. The confectionery store, located in Macron's hometown of Amiens, was surrounded by police vans, a measure that drew sharp criticism from police unions and the public as other businesses across France were targeted by looters and vandals.
This preferential treatment for the macaron shop, founded in 1872 and known for its sweet treats, came to light through investigative reporting and video footage. The Alliance Police Union publicly questioned whether all French citizens receive the same level of protection, posting online, "Mr. Macron, the Republic is not your private property." The Prefect of the Somme department, where Amiens is located, initially denied that CRS personnel were specifically assigned to protect the Trogneux shop, stating that hundreds of hostile individuals attempted to breach barricades protecting the city center's shopping streets, necessitating the deployment of a CRS company to bolster local forces and ensure the security of all businesses.
The controversy intensified as it emerged that Brigitte Macron's great-nephew, Jean-Baptiste Trogneux, who now runs the shop, had been attacked and beaten by rioters in May 2023 while trying to protect the premises. Three individuals were prosecuted, with two receiving prison sentences for violent disorder.
The incident drew parallels to historical events, with some critics comparing the situation to the alleged "Let them eat cake" remark attributed to Marie Antoinette, referencing the French Revolution. The outrage was further fueled by reports that President Macron and his wife had attended a Céline Dion concert in a private box shortly before the widespread unrest erupted, a decision some described as reminiscent of the lavish lifestyles of the monarchy preceding the 1789 uprising.
Across France, an estimated 2,000 shops and businesses were reportedly vandalized, with smashed windows, torn security grills, and millions of pounds worth of stock stolen during the weekend of unrest. The protests, initially sparked by issues within the education system, have broadened to include various social groups, including the Yellow Vests movement, which has planned further demonstrations.