Macron promises "substantive responses" after riots

2023-07-05 07:52:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

A week after the death of teenager Nahal France was rocked by violent acts. Anger is directed against the state. President Emmanuel Macron is seeking a permanent solution.

We need "substantial reactions and answers," French President Emmanuel Macron said after days of unrest in the country. In a meeting with about 250 mayors of the cities most affected by the outbreak of violence, Macron said that things that had been practiced for decades should not be repeated. What is needed is a "reaction that corresponds to the level of what we experienced" - said Macron, who asked that the background of recent events be "analyzed in detail".

Referring to the protesters who are mostly minors, Macron announced that the judicial processes will be carried out more quickly. Likewise, the parents of young people who have committed crimes will be "better accompanied" by specialized workers on the one hand and will be more firmly sanctioned on the other. The unrest has reached its peak, the President said, although in the coming days and weeks more is still required be careful. The permanent preservation of order has the highest priority, Macron said.

Anger at the state

Following the death of 17-year-old Nahel by a police bullet during a traffic stop on Tuesday last week, France was rocked by severe unrest. Across the country there were repeated looting, arson and violent confrontations between police officers and vandals. About 3,500 people have been arrested so far. From acts of violence and vandalism, more than 12,000 vehicles were burned, about 1,100 buildings were attacked, robbed or set on fire, including many municipalities and more than 200 police regions.

The anger, especially of many young people from the neglected areas of the cities, was directed towards the symbols of the French Republic, so the municipalities and police stations were often the object of their attacks.

Meanwhile, the first figures for the amount of damage for the Paris area have become known. According to an initial assessment of the transport companies, the damage is "at least 20 million euros".

The situation has now calmed down somewhat and in many cities there have been solidarity rallies with the mayors in front of the town halls. However, throughout France, thousands of police are still on alert./ DW