For our pro-Putin friends on this forum, let's travel from...

For our pro-Putin friends on this forum, let's travel from France to Poland to get a feel for what may surround Russia in the near future.  Is that what Putin is seeking?  Who knows but the outcome may or may not be in Russia's national interest.  Does Russia need to worry about retaining Crimea?  Perhaps not if the same form of regime change also flows into Russia.

More generally, the riots in Paris are likely  a "planned happening" to draw attention to the rise of ultra-nationalists movements right across Europe.

As I see it Macron is a good leader with sufficient character to "shirt front" the Putin's, Trumps and Erdogans of this world while retaining actual dialogue.  That said, Macron will need to unwind decades of economic stupidity to put any sort of brake on the rise of ultranationalism. 

Given France's current economic situation there isn't much in the toolbox for Macron to get his hands on.  To get anywhere, Macron would also need to push for major EU structural reforms …… but that isn't his remit and the bureaucrats in Brussels are unlikely to take notice of any of this.

cheers