Edouard Philippe, a candidate for the French presidential election representing the centrist Horizons party, has cut short a planned visit to the Haute-Savoie region to return to Le Havre, where unrest linked to a student movement has been escalating. Philippe expressed strong disapproval of the violence associated with the protests, calling it "unacceptable" and "concerning" in a message posted on the social media platform X. He emphasized that actions such as setting fire to a high school, damaging public property, and attacking teachers, firefighters, or police officers are not forms of protest but acts of destruction and violence that cannot be justified or excused. Philippe's comments came as tensions continue to rise in several French cities, with students and others demonstrating against a range of issues, including education policies and economic concerns. The protests have led to widespread disruptions, with some demonstrations turning violent. Philippe stressed that such actions undermine the legitimacy of the movement and harm public safety. In his message, Philippe also criticized the left-wing political group La France insoumise (LFI), accusing it of exacerbating tensions. He argued that LFI and other political forces seeking to escalate the situation are engaging in a "cynical exploitation" of students for political gain, which he described as scandalous. Philippe called for a return to peaceful dialogue and a rejection of violence as a means of expression. As the situation unfolds, French authorities are working to restore order and address the underlying grievances of the protesters. The debate over how to respond to the unrest continues to divide political figures and the public, with calls for both firm action and a focus on dialogue to resolve the crisis.