French gov’t under fire after shops vandalized in Paris
PARIS (AP) — The French government has admitted its security measures were “insufficient” to stem an arson and looting rampage by black-clad anarchists during a “yellow vest” protest along the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Saturday.
French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday he is considering banning demonstrations on the famous road.
He summoned a meeting with the interior and justice ministers yesterday and promised to take “strong measures” as soon as possible to prevent more riots this weekend.
Police appeared overwhelmed on Saturday as demonstrators ran amok on the avenue, with retailers there saying some 80 shops and businesses were vandalised.
Junior Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told RTL radio yesterday police had prepared for an upsurge in violence but were “less reactive” than at previous demonstrations. He said they were careful about using rubber ball weapons because of injuries they had caused.
More than 200 people were arrested, including 15 youths under 18.
While there was unrest on the Champs-Elysees and in a few neighboring streets, the rest of Paris was unaffected.
Shop owners were dismayed about the 18th consecutive weekend of anti-government rallies.
“It feels like this will never end,” said Emir Fatnassi whose shop front on the Champs-Elysees was smashed in by rioters. “You can protest but why destroy everything?”
“There’s been a surge of violence,” said Jean-Noel Reinhardt, head of the Committee Champs-Elysees, a local association with 180 members. “The authorities must put an end to this situation.”
Chaos broke out on Saturday when groups of so-called black bloc protesters swarmed the Champs-Elysees, vandalizing and later setting fire to Fouquet’s brasserie, a favorite hang-out of the rich and famous for the past century — as well as luxury handbag shop Longchamp.
Clothing outlets were also damaged, as well as a bank, a chocolate shop and news stands.
Police used tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon to repel protesters who gathered at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe war memorial.
But for seven hours, they were pelted with paving stones.
“Yellow vest” representatives on Sunday called on Interior Minister Christophe Castaner to quit over the government’s failure to contain the black bloc. They accuse the anarchists of hijacking the peaceful weekly protests.
Socialist mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo said she was waiting for “an explanation” from the government, declaring herself “really angry” at the “unprecedented violence.”
“We should be able to master a situation like the one we have just witnessed,” she told Le Parisien newspaper. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire was to host a meeting with trade and employers groups as well as insurers to discuss the economic impact of the protests, his office said.