As the riots in France subside, President Macron and his government are considering necessary political consequences. Cities that are particularly affected should be helped – because the damage is enormous.
As the serious unrest in France subsides after the death of a youth by a police shot, the focus shifts to the political consequences. President Emmanuel Macron is receiving 200 to 300 mayors from cities and communities in Paris today where the riots were particularly violent. In addition to moral support, the president wants to offer help in repairing damaged town halls and other public facilities, the government said. Last night, Macron visited a police station in Paris with Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin to back up the security forces.
Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne had previously discussed the crisis with the leaders of both parliamentary groups. The most important thing now is to restore calm in the country with a massive police presence and decisive action by the judiciary, said Borne.
Around 45,000 police officers on duty
According to government information, more than 3,400 people have been arrested in riots in the past few days. 684 police officers and firefighters were injured. According to the broadcaster BFMTV, those involved have already been sentenced in summary proceedings, including imprisonment with electronic ankle bracelets.
There were no major riots during the night. In Nanterre near Paris, where the 17-year-old teenager was shot dead by a police officer on Tuesday last week, things remained quiet despite some damage to property, as BFMTV reported. There were 17 arrests in the Paris area. Around 45,000 police officers were again deployed across the country to ensure peace.
Employers’ association quantifies damage
According to the employers’ association Medef, the economic damage caused by the ongoing unrest in France is enormous. “It’s still too early to give an exact figure, but we’re at over a billion euros without taking into account the damage to tourism,” Medef boss Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux told the newspaper “Le Parisien”. More than 200 shops were completely looted, 300 bank branches were destroyed and 250 kiosks were damaged.
“The videos of the unrest that were circulating around the world are damaging France’s image,” said the employer boss. “It’s always difficult to say whether the impact will be permanent, but there will certainly be a drop in bookings this summer, although the season has been promising.” Some tourists have already canceled their stays.
Fatal Traffic Control
Since the death of 17-year-old Nahel by a police bullet during a traffic stop, France has been shaken by serious riots. Especially at night, the conditions on the streets were sometimes chaotic. There were repeated looting, arson attacks and violent confrontations between police officers and rioters.
The officer who fired the shot at the youth is being investigated on suspicion of manslaughter. France is a constitutional state and the police are also bound by laws, the government emphasized. However, the police have no systemic problems with racism or the reckless use of firearms. In the past few days in particular, she has shown professionalism and a sense of proportion – despite violent riots, neither rioters nor officials have died. The death of the young person is nevertheless tragic and understandably moves people’s minds. The government has so far not responded to calls for police reform.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
