Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Tuesday that the “peak” of the riots that have swept the country since the fatal police shooting of a teenager had passed, but he acknowledged that there was still much work to be done to address the underlying causes of the unrest.
Speaking at a meeting with hundreds of French officials, Macron said that the government would be launching a “national debate” on the issues that have led to the riots, including discrimination, poverty, and social exclusion.
“We all want a lasting, republican order,” Macron said. “That’s the absolute priority.”
The riots began on June 27, after a police officer shot and killed 17-year-old Nahel M’Bodj during a traffic stop in the Paris suburb of Nanterre. M’Bodj’s death sparked widespread anger and protests, which quickly turned violent in some areas.
The violence has continued for over a week, with rioters setting fire to cars, businesses, and schools. There have also been reports of looting and clashes with police.
The government has responded to the riots by deploying thousands of additional police officers and imposing a curfew in some areas. However, the violence has shown no signs of abating.
In his speech on Tuesday, Macron said that the government would be taking a “firm” stance against the rioters, but he also stressed the need to address the underlying causes of the unrest.
“We need to listen to the anger,” Macron said. “We need to understand the reasons why so many people feel excluded.”
The “national debate” that Macron has announced is expected to begin in the coming weeks. It is unclear what form the debate will take, but it is likely to focus on the issues of discrimination, poverty, and social exclusion.
The debate is seen as an opportunity for the government to address the concerns of those who have been protesting, and to try to prevent the riots from happening again. However, it is also seen as a challenge, as the government will need to find a way to address these complex issues without exacerbating the tensions that have already been created.
The riots in France have highlighted the deep divisions that exist in the country. They have also raised questions about the effectiveness of the government’s approach to law enforcement and social policy.
The “national debate” that Macron has announced is an important step in trying to address these issues. However, it is only one step, and it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to prevent future unrest.