July 14th
Concerns over unrest overshadow national day in France
On July 14th, France commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, seen as the symbolic beginning of the French Revolution
© Christophe Ena/AP
In France, concerns about further riots are spreading on the national holiday. Thousands of police officers are on duty.
Overshadowed by fears of new unrest France this Friday its national holiday, July 14th. President Emmanuel Macron inspects the traditional military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Guest of honor this year is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. For fear of riots, 130,000 police officers are deployed across the country.
Thousands of police officers in France on duty
After a police officer fatally shot a youth during a traffic check near Paris a good two weeks ago, there had been serious unrest in France for days. Officials were attacked with firecrackers and public buildings such as police stations and schools were set on fire. Thousands of cars burned out. The unrest died down. But the concern is that they will flare up again for the national holiday.
On Thursday and Friday evening alone, 45,000 officers are said to be on duty. There are also special units such as helicopters, drones and armored vehicles. Bus and tram services will stop at 10 p.m. in all metropolitan areas. S-Bahn and Métro in Paris remain in operation. July 14 commemorates the French Revolution, specifically the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789.