After five days of violent protests in response to the shooting of teenager Nahel M during a police traffic stop, riots in France appear to be calming down. Sunday night witnessed a decline in violence, with fewer arrests made. However, President Emmanuel Macron has called for a “massive” police presence to be maintained on the streets. In an effort to protest the violence and looting, mayors across the country have organized rallies outside town halls. While the situation has improved, authorities remain cautious about prematurely declaring a return to normalcy.
Mayors from various cities expressed their concerns over the riots, emphasizing the need for justice and highlighting the impact on local businesses. The mayor of Nanterre, Nahel’s hometown, acknowledged the subsiding violence but urged everyone to remember the incident that sparked the unrest. Meanwhile, the mayor of Reims stated that rioters had targeted the businesses they frequented daily. Despite the calmer night on Sunday, precautions such as the suspension of public transportation were implemented, and a significant police presence was maintained across France.
Over the past three nights, approximately 45,000 officers have been deployed throughout the country. The number of arrests decreased significantly on Sunday night compared to the previous night, along with a notable decrease in the number of cars set on fire and buildings damaged. However, an association of mayors expressed concerns about the serious unrest witnessed in communes throughout France. The violence has taken a toll on both sides, as evidenced by the attack on a suburban Paris mayor’s home, resulting in injuries to his wife and child. The family of Nahel M has called for an end to the violence, urging rioters to stop destroying public property.
President Macron is scheduled to meet with mayors from affected areas on Tuesday. Meanwhile, investigations continue into the circumstances of the violence and the shooting of Nahel. The situation remains tense, with a need for both justice and a restoration of peace in the country.
