What is the cause of the riots and protests in France? The underlying reason for the unrest in the country.

 

French riots have been happening following a police shooting of a 17-year-old boy. Picture: Alamy

Riots and protests have erupted in major cities across France following the shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk. The incident occurred on June 27th, 2023, and has resulted in a significant number of arrests as large gatherings have taken to the streets to express their opposition to the French police.
In response to the unrest, French President Emmanuel Macron has convened emergency security meetings and appealed for calm. He has urged parents to ensure their children remain at home and refrain from using social media in an effort to mitigate the riots.

Notably, prominent figures such as footballer Kylian Mbappe and actor Omar Sy have criticized the violence of the French police while calling for peaceful and constructive demonstrations.
 

Paris riots 2023: Police and firefighters have been deployed across major cities following the violent protests. Picture: Alamy 

What is the cause behind the riots taking place in France in 2023?

The recent wave of riots was sparked by the shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk by the police during a traffic stop in Nanterre, Paris.
While the police claim that the officers' lives were in danger, video footage circulating on social media suggests otherwise.

The tragic death of the teenager, who was an only child, has triggered widespread protests across France. These protests have led to property damage, arson attacks on vehicles, and the arrest of numerous individuals. Tragically, a firefighter in Paris lost their life while battling a fire in an underground car park. 

The police officer responsible for shooting Nahel has been taken into custody, and President Macron swiftly referred the case to the courts. The president has also personally apologized to Nahel's family for the incident.

While Nahel's family, along with many others, have called for the riots to subside, they acknowledge that some individuals are exploiting his death as an opportunity for violence.
These riots against police brutality are not unprecedented in France, as there is a history of such protests occurring in major cities.

In response to the situation, President Macron expressed the sentiments of the entire nation, expressing deep sorrow over what transpired and conveying solidarity and affection to Nahel's family. He described the killing of the teenager as inexplicable and unforgivable. 

Protests are beginning to show signs of slowing down after thousands of rioters have been arrested in under a week. Picture: Alamy

Which locations in France are experiencing riots?

The city most significantly impacted by the riots is Paris, as it is the closest to where Nahel was shot.
Nanterre and the surrounding suburbs of Paris have also been heavily affected. Additionally, riots have erupted in Lille, Toulouse, Marseille, Pau, and Lyons.

The riots have persisted for almost a week, although there are indications that they are beginning to subside. Demonstrations predominantly occur during the day, while the riots tend to escalate at night.
Travel to France is not prohibited, but the UK Foreign Office has issued a warning regarding potential travel disruptions for those visiting the country.

If you plan to visit France, it is important to stay updated with the latest announcements on the UK government website and to regularly check for advice from travel operators and local authorities.