[International] French Government Faces Dual Pressure of Public Security and Politics, Prime Minister Pledges Increased Police Deployment
RtiTalk 小編1d ago
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will meet with union representatives today (21st) to discuss security issues and has pledged to deploy a "massive" police force during protests. Riots broke out in France last weekend, with curfews imposed in some areas and many arrests made.
According to Agence France-Presse, France, the eurozone's second-largest economy, experienced one of the most severe riots in recent years over the weekend, with only about six months left until the election to choose President Emmanuel Macron's successor.
According to a letter sent by Lecornu to union organizations, he will meet with representatives from five unions this morning to discuss "how to ensure the fundamental freedom of demonstration is guaranteed." The letter also stated that some individuals are attempting to disrupt protests with "unacceptable behavior."
"Yellow Vest" activists and high school students plan to launch another protest on the 24th, while unions have scheduled a demonstration for November 5th; high school student representatives were not invited to today's meeting.
Last weekend, clashes between police and civilians, looting of stores, and arson of public buildings occurred on the streets of France. The related footage attracted international attention, with countries such as the United States, China, and Germany issuing travel advisories, reminding their citizens to be cautious during their stay in France.
Facing strong questioning from members of parliament, Lecornu admitted that the government's security measures had not met expectations and pledged to adopt a tougher response before the next wave of protests. He said, "The police deployment next Saturday will be massive."
A nighttime curfew in Paris took effect from 9 PM GMT on the 20th (5 AM Taiwan time today), covering areas including Place de la République, east of the city center, and the Les Halles shopping district in the city center. Authorities also ordered a ban on public gatherings around the Champs-Élysées and at train stations; due to rioters setting fire to government buildings and shops last weekend, Paris police temporarily prohibited the carrying of cans or bottles containing gasoline or gas.
Security forces arrested a man suspected of being linked to far-left groups, who is believed to be involved in the burning of a historic town hall in Limoges. Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen described the unrest as a "wake-up call," exposing a "deep crisis of authority" in France.
Recent polls show Le Pen leading significantly in the first round of the presidential election; far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is the most competitive candidate in the second-round runoff.
Lecornu accused radical far-left groups of orchestrating a "plan to incite rebellion," leading to the riots. As street violence receives increasing political attention, divided French parliamentarians have agreed to launch a parliamentary inquiry into potential intelligence failures, police enforcement strategies, and the government's preparedness.
The French Minister of Justice stated that nearly 150 people have been sentenced to imprisonment, and over 800 others have been transferred to court.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez resigned on the 18th, stating that the police had "lost control" during the unrest. Macron refused to accept his resignation, and Nunez is expected to attend today's meeting with union representatives.
Other European countries have also seen demonstrations due to rising prices, with smaller-scale clashes occurring in Belgium and Milan, Italy's financial center, over the weekend.
U.S. President Trump used the unrest in France to reinforce his anti-immigrant and anti-Islam rhetoric. Trump delivered a lengthy and fiery speech at a midterm election rally in Kansas on the 19th, claiming that France was being "conquered, looted, and burned down by immigrants, jihadists, and communists." However, several analysts refuted Trump's claims, pointing out that immigration was not the primary cause of the unrest in France.
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=238913
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