Slow Calming of Situation in France: Macron Holds Special Meeting in Paris

Situation in France Calming Down Slowly: Macron Holds Special Meeting in Paris

Nearly a week after the death of a 17-year-old and the subsequent riots, France is slowly returning to calm. Now, the events must be addressed, while concerns regarding the Tour de France loom.

Following several days of riots in France sparked by the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old by a police officer, the situation appears to have calmed down slightly as of Monday night. According to the Ministry of the Interior, no major incidents were reported, and a total of 78 arrests were made nationwide until 1:30 a.m. Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron plans to consult with the presidents of the parliamentary chambers regarding the events. In light of dozens of attacks on town halls and at least one mayor's residence, the Association of Mayors has called for solidarity rallies.

Macron to meet with President of the National Assembly and mayors

According to the Élysée Palace, Macron will receive the President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, and the President of the Senate, Gérard Larcher, on Monday. A meeting with mayors from over 220 municipalities affected by the riots is scheduled for Tuesday. Macron has also asked Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne to meet with the leaders of the parliamentary factions on Monday.

The Presidential Office stated that Macron intends to begin a "careful and long-term process of thoroughly understanding the reasons that led to these events." The government aims to analyze the events first and then draw conclusions. In addition to Macron and Borne, seven ministers participated in the crisis meeting on Sunday evening. The next crisis session is scheduled to take place within 48 hours.

The Association of Mayors of France called for solidarity rallies in front of all town halls across the country on Monday afternoon. According to the association's chairman, David Lisnard, 150 town halls or municipal buildings have been attacked since Tuesday.

Thousands of security forces deployed, numerous injuries

For the third consecutive night, 45,000 security forces were deployed nationwide. In the previous five nights, a total of around 5,000 burning cars, 10,000 burning trash bins, nearly 1,000 burned or damaged buildings, and 250 attacks on police stations were recorded, according to the Ministry of the Interior.

Over 700 security forces have been injured. In Paris, two police officers were hit by projectiles resembling "lead bullets," according to police sources. In the southern French city of Nîmes, a police officer survived a firearm attack on Saturday night thanks to his bulletproof vest.

The 17-year-old Nahel M. was shot by a police officer during a traffic stop in the Paris suburb of Nanterre on Tuesday. The funeral of the teenager, whose family originates from Algeria, took place in his hometown of Nanterre on Saturday. The alleged shooter is in custody, and the prosecutor's office is investigating him for manslaughter.

Since Nahel's death, there have been violent protests primarily in Paris suburbs but also in many other cities and municipalities, which have somewhat subsided recently. On Sunday, the victim's grandmother called for an end to the violent protests.