In France, a youth was shot dead by a police officer about two weeks ago. Since then, there has been great concern in the government about new protests.
France is mobilizing 130,000 police officers nationwide this year for fear of new unrest on the national holiday on July 14. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced extraordinary precautions to ensure security in Paris on Wednesday.
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. In all metropolitan areas, bus and tram services will stop at 10 p.m. S-Bahn and Métro in Paris remain in operation.
Macron refrains from televising
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 this Friday.
There is already a nationwide ban on fireworks due to concerns about renewed riots. Several cities canceled the traditional National Day fireworks display for safety reasons. President Emmanuel Macron does without the usual television speech. On Thursday evening, however, he spoke to troops at the Ministry of Defense in Paris.
