2-7-2023 (PARIS) Rioting in France subsided on Saturday (Jul 1) following the deployment of tens of thousands of police officers across the country. The increased security measures were implemented after the funeral of a teenager of North African descent, whose shooting by police triggered nationwide unrest.
President Emmanuel Macron postponed his state visit to Germany, originally scheduled to begin on Sunday, in order to address the current crisis, which represents the most significant challenge to his leadership since the “Yellow Vest” protests that gripped France in late 2018.
Approximately 45,000 police officers, including specialized elite units, armored vehicles, and helicopters, were deployed in the three largest cities: Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.
By 1:45 am (11:45 pm GMT) on Sunday, the situation appeared to be calmer than the previous four nights. However, there were still some tensions in central Paris and sporadic clashes in Marseille, Nice, and the eastern city of Strasbourg.
Marseille experienced the most intense clashes, as police fired tear gas and engaged in street battles with youths in the city center late into the night.
In Paris, security was heightened on the iconic Champs Elysees avenue following a call on social media for a gathering there. The street, typically bustling with tourists, was heavily monitored by security forces conducting spot checks. Shop facades were also boarded up as a precautionary measure against potential damage and looting.
According to the interior ministry, 1,311 people were arrested on Friday night, compared to 875 the previous night, although authorities described the violence as “less intense.” Nearly 200 people were arrested nationwide on Saturday.
Local authorities throughout the country imposed bans on demonstrations, ordered the suspension of evening public transport services, and some even implemented overnight curfews.
The ongoing unrest, which tarnishes France’s global image just a year before it hosts the Olympic Games, will undoubtedly increase political pressure on President Macron. The country has already experienced months of anger and occasionally violent protests following the government’s implementation of pension reforms.
This is the second time this year that Macron has been forced to cancel a high-profile event due to domestic issues. In March, he called off King Charles’s planned state visit for the same reason.
