I refer to the opinion piece As France's protests rage on, Macron has shown himself to be woefully out of touch (January 21): nearly three months of unrest in France's capital has not just drawn the attention of world but also shows the power of desperate people who feel left behind by the modern world. The lengthy protests have therefore become a real challenge for Emmanuel Macron, the youngest president of France.
In fact, it’s a shame that France, as one of the world’s most advanced nations, is incapable of addressing the concerns of people who have revolted against increasing fuel prices. Mr Macron has failed to justify the price hike, although his intention, reportedly to safeguard the environment, is a worthy one.
Naturally, the protest is costing France heavily and the genuine attempts by the government to resolve the crisis has not resonated with the masses.
It is now time for Mr Macron to look back at his pre-election campaign and the promises he made, such as creating more job opportunities and improving quality of life.
Meanwhile, it raises questions about whether the views of the people are being adequately listened to by elected representatives in this bastion of liberal democracy.
Ramachandran Nair, Muscat
It is up to the Indian people whether Modi stays or goes
I write in reference to the giant joint rally on Saturday by anti-Modi parties in Kolkata, India: the meeting in Kolkata between a cohort of parties to eliminate the present government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a big development in Indian politics.
On the one hand, I applaud their spirit and joint desire to eradicate the present administration but on the other, will all the parties nominate one person for prime minister if they are elected to power?
Opportunism and blame are the only currencies in modern politics. In my view, the BJP might not have fulfilled its full commitment but it has made some improvements and made a good name for India on the world stage.
Five years is a too short to judge the BJP. The opposition Congress was in power for decades and their achievements were hardly extraordinary.
Ultimately the Indian people will need to decide whether to eliminate or retain the present administration. The power is not with the opposition coalition but with the people.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
A comprehensive UAE animal welfare programme
I refer to your article Air kitty: how UAE cat rescuers are rehoming hundreds of animals abroad (January 21). I applaud you on your recent articles highlighting animal welfare.
The UAE is one of the most highly respected and regarded countries in the world and a comprehensive animal welfare programme would receive worldwide publicity.
The world is full of animal lovers and it would certainly put the UAE on the map .
Lorraine Ludman, Dubai