On 17 April, with social tensions running high over the adoption of the pension reform, the French president called for “100 days of reconciliation, unity, ambition and action at the service of France”. Emmanuel Macron promised to relaunch his mandate at the end of that term, which coincided with National Day, the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.
However, and after this “reconciliation” was shaken by the nights of rioting after the death of Nahel who was shot by a police officer, the Élysée announced that Macron will not give a speech nor will he give an interview this Friday. And to prevent a repeat of the violence of 15 days ago, security was also tightened from tonight.
Since arriving at the Élysée in 2017, Macron has given an interview on the occasion of Bastille Day only twice – in 2020 and 2022. His predecessor, the socialist François Hollande, did not miss a single one. But this year, it was expected that Macron could repeat the gesture precisely because of the timetable he himself set to calm the situation on the streets. However, the presidency announced that the president will not speak on July 14, but promises to speak “in the coming days”. However, no specific date was revealed.
The amendment to the pension law, which, among other things, raised the retirement age from 62 to 64, was approved using the constitutional “atomic bomb” – Article 49.3 – without the approval of the deputies. This further fueled controversy, with the French taking to the streets to protest and going on strike, fearing a repeat of the 2018 yellow vest match. Macron’s call for “100 days of reconciliation”, followed by the president’s travels to different parts of the country, the fatigue of the French from the protests and the decision of the judges of the Constitutional Council to ratify the reform in early May , were breathtaking. manifestations.
The death of 17-year-old Nahel, shot after allegedly refusing to stop at a traffic control in Nanterre, called into question the “reconciliation”. Violence erupted in the streets of several French cities on June 27, lasting eight days and ending with nearly six thousand cars on fire, more than a thousand buildings damaged, nearly 3,500 arrests and more than 700 police officers injured.
In the countdown to Bastille Day, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin yesterday announced the deployment of an “exceptional apparatus” of 45,000 police and guards for tonight and tomorrow. A number equal to what was used in the last days of the riots to stop the violence. In addition, 40,000 firefighters will be on standby every night.
The security reinforcement will consist of elite units from the various police forces, as well as helicopters and armored vehicles, which are expected to act as a deterrent to the “extreme violence” experienced in many cities in late June and early July. The measures can be extended until Saturday evening if necessary.
The French government had already banned the sale and use of fireworks during the holiday on Sunday to prevent them from being used against security forces. “In order to avoid the risk of serious disturbance of public order during the July 14 festivities, the sale, carrying, transport and use of pyrotechnic items and fireworks is prohibited throughout France until July 15”, says the decree, which does not apply to authorized professionals and municipalities. Still, several venues canceled the scheduled shows, particularly in the Paris region. However, in the capital, the usual concert and show next to the Eiffel Tower is confirmed.
Modi is a guest
Last year, the guests of the July 14 celebration were the countries of Eastern Europe. This year, the honor goes to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, with an Indian contingent parading alongside the French in the traditional military parade. France, like other Western countries, is trying to strengthen economic and strategic ties with India, looking for an alternative to China in the Indo-Pacific. Modi’s visit marks “a new phase in the strategic partnership between France and India,” according to the Élysée.
In addition to the military parade, the Indian Prime Minister will be the guest of honour. at a dinner for more than 200 people at the Louvre, entitled to a guided tour to see some of the most important works on display. However, Modi’s fifth trip to France begins today with meetings with Indian artists participating in the Namasté France Festival (which serves to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries) and a private dinner with the French president.
Source: DN
