Protest Activity in France Subsides Ahead of Macron’s Upcoming Meeting with Parliamentary Leaders

Paris: President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to hold a meeting with the leaders of both houses of parliament on Monday, amidst a relatively calmer situation in France following several nights of violent protests triggered by the police shooting of teenager Nahel M. It appears that the intensity of the unrest has lessened, as there has been a notable decline in the number of arrests reported on Sunday in comparison to previous days.

In addition to the parliamentary leaders’ meeting, Macron’s office announced that he will also engage with the mayors of 220 towns and cities affected by the protests on Tuesday. This comes after a crisis meeting held on Sunday night with government ministers to address the situation. The recent decline in violence can be attributed, in part, to an appeal for peace made by Nahel’s grandmother, Nadia, who urged rioters to cease their destructive actions and emphasized the impact on innocent individuals, particularly mothers and children.

Amidst these developments, an incident on Saturday night drew strong condemnation from politicians. Rioters targeted the home of Vincent Jeanbrun, the mayor of L’Haÿ-les-Roses, through the use of a burning car, while his family was inside. Although Jeanbrun himself was not present at the time, his wife and one of their young children sustained injuries while attempting to escape. The recent act of violence has sparked widespread condemnation with the mayor going as far as describing it as a “new milestone in horror and disgrace.” He expressed his deep outrage at the “unspeakable cowardice” demonstrated.

Regional prosecutor Stephane Hardouin has initiated an investigation into the incident, treating it as attempted murder. The preliminary analysis points towards a carefully executed plan involving driving into the residence and setting it alight deliberately. Investigators also came across a Coca Cola bottle containing flammable material at the site providing additional evidence of premeditation in this appalling incident.