[News] France riots ease as mayors hold anti-violence rally Published

[[X]pErT-]

Rioters run as French police officers use tear gas in Paris on 2 July

By Laura Gozzi

BBC News

Riots in France appear to be calming, after five days of violent protests in response to the shooting of teenager Nahel M during a police traffic stop.

 

Sunday night saw violence subside and fewer arrests were made.

 

However, President Emmanuel Macron has asked the interior ministry to keep a "massive" police presence on the streets.

 

On Monday, mayors called for rallies to be held outside town halls to protest the violence and looting.

 

In Nanterre, Nahel's hometown, mayor Patrick Jarry said he was pleased the violence had subsided, but added that "we shouldn't lose sight of the incident that sparked this situation and the continuing need for

justice".help to restore the public buildings that were damaged and looted.

 

But there are concerns that the spate of violence might have a long-term effect on the tourism sector just as the summer season begins.

 

French media outlet Le Point quoted a tourism official as estimating that up to 25% of hotel bookings in Paris had already been cancelled.

 

The regional transport network for Ile-de-France told AFP that €20m in damage was caused to public transport, including "burned buses, a torched tramway, two damaged tramways and urban infrastructure which was smashed".

 

François Rial said that the riots posed "a real risk" to the image of France: "This is true even if the unrest subsides, as many tourists are allergic to risk."

 

On Tuesday, President Macron will meet the mayors of 220 municipal areas that have been affected by the violence.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66084677