French police are preparing for further rioting after widespread curfews appeared to stem massive protests overnight. Paris and Marseille remained 'calm' during the night, according to French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who pointed to the new curfews. However, photos from today show extensive damage across cities, with buildings burned and statues destroyed.
Champions League Security Fears
There are concerns that tonight's European Champions League match between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona could trigger more unrest. Officials are considering introducing a curfew around Parc des Princes ahead of the game. If not, a 'ring of steel' will include around 5,000 riot police on duty around Paris, along with the deployment of armoured cars and water cannons.
An Interior Ministry source said: 'This is a hugely sensitive time, with violence likely to break out at any time, especially when large crowds gather. Thousands of extra officers will be on duty for the game, and they will include special forces officers.'
President Macron's Response
Over the weekend, French President Emmanuel Macron blamed 'agitators from far-Left fringe groups, joined by numerous criminals' for plunging the country into 'unbridled violence.' He made an impassioned plea 'for unity' following chaos involving up to half a million protesters.
Mr Macron said: 'Businesses have been looted, while public buildings, shops, and town halls have been attacked. Looking at these images, we have all asked ourselves how French people could do this to France.' He expressed particular distress over the burning of Limoges City Hall and a tourist office in Lyon, and said the sacking of Marseille city hall and an attack on the Prefect's Residence in Bordeaux should never be repeated.
Police Admit Loss of Control
French police have admitted they 'lost control' of major cities during a weekend of 'apocalyptic rioting.' 'It was apocalyptic,' said a high-ranking officer. 'Law enforcement was unable to contain the multitude of simultaneous attacks occurring across the country, and was quickly overwhelmed by determined protesters.'
There have been almost five weeks of protests by school and university students against France's crumbling education system. 'Nothing justifies it, nothing explains it, nothing excuses it,' said Mr Macron.
