The events of autumn 2026 highlight a striking contrast in crisis management between Emmanuel Macron's France and Algeria in 1988 under Chadli Bendjedid. In October 1988, facing civil unrest, the Algerian president chose dialogue and acknowledged the validity of popular grievances regarding socio-economic decline, ultimately paving the way for political reforms like multi-party rule. Conversely, in the face of current protests in France fueled by governance failures and eroding public services, the French head of state has chosen confrontation. While Bendjedid demonstrated composure and a sense of duty during the crisis, Macron has shown clear signs of agitation, relying on threats rather than listening to the people, reflecting a disconnection from the citizens he serves.