Macron speaks, among other things, of ‘unjustifiable violence’ and affirms that the riots are ‘directed against the institutions of the republic’. That’s why more than 40,000 police officers are on site tonight. Europe reporter Stefan de Vries thinks Macron has a good job trying to calm things down. “What is striking is that the government does not defend the agent,” explains De Vries. “It usually happens, and the government supports the police and the military.”
“It is striking that the government does not defend the agent”
Although Macron has made the statements about the unrest, the consensus in the French government appears to be that the agent’s actions are strongly condemned. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has just said that “something unacceptable has happened,” says De Vries. “Also, the government naturally wants to prevent the riots from getting out of hand.”
Escalation
De Vries has his doubts that the 40,000 extra soldiers can ensure that the riots don’t escalate further. A memorial march was held in the early afternoon, which was attended by around 6,000 people. “The march went well, but now riots have broken out and tear gas has been fired,” says De Vries. “So calm hasn’t returned yet.”
As a precaution, the French transport companies have decided not to follow a timetable after 21:00. “This prevents buses or trains from being damaged or attacked,” he concludes. ‘So the sting is far from over.’