After receiving from the mayors of about 240 municipalities affected by the riots that broke out after the death of the teenager Nahel shot by the police, the French president announced that an emergency law will be introduced “to eliminate all delays and “rebuild much faster” in the autarchies targeted for destruction and looting.
Speaking at the meeting that took place at the Élysée Palace – described by one participant as “extensive group therapy” to France Info – Emmanuel Macron said he was “very cautious” about returning to calm after several nights of rioting, but felt that “the peak” was already over. According to official data, 72 arrests were made on the seventh night of the protests.
“If you are here, it is because, in some cases in a very direct and personal way, you have been victimized by your families and loved ones in an unbearable and unspeakable way. For many of you, too, your municipal officials have been attacked and your communities had to withstand damage to town halls, police stations and schools,” said Macron, expressing solidarity with the elected officials, as he had previously done with the security forces and firefighters.
The French head of state also promised financial support to local authorities for repairing streets, town halls and schools, as well as video surveillance equipment. “We are going to be very strict and clear with insurers, municipality by municipality,” he assured.
The Minister of Economic Affairs also indicated that the affected traders will not be left to fend for themselves. “If a business is destroyed by fire, if a life’s work is reduced to ashes, the state must be on our side and there must be the possibility of abolishing social security contributions or taxes, on a case-by-case basis, for the most affected retailers,” says Bruno Le Maire.
In the most recent balance, 3486 people were arrested, of which 374 were present in court. In the night of 27 to 28 June, 5809 vehicles were set on fire, 1105 buildings burned or damaged and 209 police installations attacked.
In addition, the government registered attacks in ten shopping malls, 200 supermarkets, 60 sports shops, 440 tobacconists and 370 bank branches. There are still 80 post offices closed due to damage or without security to reopen.
The Medef employers’ federation estimates the damage at one billion euros, in addition to the reputational damage to the country that could affect tourism, but also the possibility that foreign investors “abandon projects”.
The initiative of far-right politician Jean Messiah to open a campaign to raise money for the family of the police suspect in Nahel’s murder is still being talked about. Socialist deputy Arthur Delaporte filed a complaint with the Public Prosecution Service with the aim of obtaining the suspension of the campaign, which has already raised 1.4 million euros.
The deputy believes that the fund “should be considered illegal” due to incitement to hatred, the risk of public disorder and the “real risk” of funding costs following a possible conviction”.
Source: DN
