protests
Worry about unrest on France’s national day
French President Emmanuel Macron in a command vehicle with General Thierry Burkhard, Chief of Staff, at the parade on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. France commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, which is seen as the symbolic start of the French Revolution. photo
© Christophe Ena/AP
France had feared a resurgence of suburban violence on the national holiday. The traditional military parade in Paris then took place with Indian participation.
240 Indian soldiers and three Indian warplanes also took part in the parade. Modi’s visit was intended to honor the 25-year strategic partnership between the two countries. “Giant of world history, with a decisive role for the future, strategic partner, friend,” tweeted President Emmanuel Macron. “I am happy to welcome India as the guest of honor in the parade this July 14.”
A reception by Modi at the Élysée Palace should also be about in-depth strategic cooperation – among other things in view of an ever stronger China. Official confirmation of India’s purchase of 26 French Rafale fighter jets and three submarines was expected.
“After 25 years of partnership, this is a major step forward that will strengthen interoperability between our navies at the service of Indian Ocean stability,” said French Navy Chief of Staff Pierre Vandier.
feared violence
6,500 representatives of the armed forces and security forces took part in the impressive military parade on the Paris Champs-Élysées and in the skies over the capital, as well as 157 military vehicles, 66 airplanes and 28 helicopters, 200 horses and 86 dogs. July 14 commemorates the French Revolution, specifically the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789.
After the recent unrest in France, new riots were feared on the national holiday. However, these remained largely absent during the night, said Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. There was less damage to property than in 2022.
Nevertheless, the ministry reported 97 arrests and 218 burnt-out cars nationwide, the newspaper Le Parisien reported. In Mont-Saint-Martin, on the border with Luxembourg and Belgium, rioters set fire to a primary school.
45,000 officers were mobilized across France to prevent the unrest from flaring up again. The police want to be present with the same strength on the evening of the national holiday.
After a police officer fatally shot a young person during a traffic check near Paris a good two weeks ago, there was serious unrest in France for days. Officials were attacked with fireworks and public buildings such as police stations and schools were set on fire. Thousands of cars burned out. The unrest died down. New riots were feared for the national holiday.