The turmoil in France continues into the fourth night despite an extensive police operation and the arrest of 1,311. The planned formal visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which was scheduled to begin on Sunday, has been postponed at the president’s request.
Despite the deployment of 45,000 police officers, the situation worsened. On July 1, when mourners gathered for the funeral of 17-year-old Nahel murdered by police action, riots erupted. They took to the streets and attacked vehicles, buildings, and stores.
President Macron advising teenagers to stay home
President Macron had previously advised teenage protestors to stay at home with their families, but clashes between the youth protesters and police broke out. Because of the escalating violence, Chancellor Merkel’s official travel to France was cancelled. As a result of the escalating violence in the country, high-profile gatherings have already been rescheduled twice this year. Previously, Queen Elizabeth II’s visit had been postponed due to opposition to President Macron’s pension plans.
Prior to this, Queen Elizabeth II’s visit was postponed because of resistance to President Macron’s pension changes.
5 days of protest or this is just a good possibility of vandalism? #emeutes #FRANCE #FranceRiots #FranceOnFire #FranceProtests #franceViolence #Francia #Francja #FranceHasFallen #FranceProtest #franceriot #Macron pic.twitter.com/x3MEW19ODR
— Dr. Khaled Alfaiomi (@Alfaiomi) July 3, 2023
According to a German presidency spokesman, President Macron spoke via phone with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on July 1 and updated him on the situation.
Nahel, the deceased, was buried after the violent episodes. He was buried during a parade through the streets of Nanterre following his funeral at a mosque.
Despite the fact that there are additional police on the scene, no fresh acts of violence or disagreements have been reported. However, almost 2,400 individuals have been imprisoned since the eruption of rioting followed Tuesday’s death.
From Paris, the turmoil has extended to Marseille, Lyon, and even to French territory abroad. 79 events during the course of the night resulted in over 100 injuries to police and fire personnel. It’s significant to remember that authorities have not yet announced the precise number of protester injuries.
Despite a heavy police presence and multiple arrests, the situation in France still remains tense. The delay of Chancellor Merkel’s visit and the ongoing demonstrations show the difficulties the French administration is facing in upholding law and answering the demands of the protesters.
