The fact that six French police vehicles were guarding a chocolate workshop belonging to the family of France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron, in the city of Amiens during the riots, and no other, caused resentment and sharp criticism in public opinion.
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The newspaper "Le Figaro" reported that these forces were deployed on October 17 at the height of the protests that turned into riots and looting.
The Alliance Polis Nationale union criticized French President Emmanuel Macron, saying: "At a time when shops are being looted, police officers are being injured, and everyone is suffering from a shortage of personnel, we find half a company stationed in front of the Trogneux family's chocolate workshop (Trogneux is the first lady's maiden name)."
The union added in its statement published on its website: "We remind you, Mr. President: Do all French people have the right to the same protection?"
Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, the French presidential candidate for 2027 and leader of the "National France" party, also supported the feelings of discontent in public opinion, stressing that "the rest of the shop owners in France have been left hostage in the hands of looters."
RMC radio had previously reported that some owners of small and medium-sized businesses in France were arming themselves and intended to defend their businesses against vandals themselves due to the authorities' inability to impose order.