France riots: Will government impose emergency? Here's what you should know if you are travelling to the country

Youth in France clashed with police for the fourth consecutive night on Friday as the Emmanuel Macron government ordered 45000 police officers to stem the protests across the country, just short of imposing a state of emergency. Rioting and looting were reported in major French cities. The outbreak of violence stemmed from the death of Nahel, a 17-year-old, reigniting deep-seated concerns regarding policing and racial profiling in France's economically disadvantaged and culturally diverse neighborhoods.

Several European nations, including Britain, have revised their travel guidance, advising tourists to avoid regions impacted by the ongoing riots in France. The country's tourism sector is anxious about the situation, as hotels and restaurants have experienced a significant number of cancellations. Members of the hospitality industry in affected areas have been severely affected by reservation cancellations due to disturbances and confrontations.

The international community has expressed apprehension following the unrest in France, considering the upcoming Rugby World Cup later this year and the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. The events have become a cause for concern due to the prevailing situation in the country.

If you are travelling to France for the July 4 holiday weekend, here is what you need to know.

Rioting & Looting

France experienced sporadic incidents of violence and looting in multiple cities during the fourth night of protests following the fatal police shooting of a teenager. However, authorities noted that the intensity of the unrest was significantly lower compared to previous nights.

In response, the government deployed 45,000 officers, supported by light armored vehicles and specialized police units, across the country to restore order. Despite the heightened security presence, incidents of looting occurred in Lyon, Marseille, and Grenoble, where groups of masked rioters targeted shops.

Additionally, protesters set fire to cars and trash bins. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, while visiting Mantes-la-Jolie, acknowledged that the violence had diminished in intensity. Nationwide, 471 arrests were made, with pockets of tension reported in Marseille and Lyon, specifically.

Over the course of the ongoing unrest, more than 200 police officers have sustained injuries, while numerous rioters have been apprehended by authorities.

Since the onset of the riots, numerous shops have been ransacked by looters, with dozens of establishments affected. Additionally, approximately 2,000 vehicles have been set ablaze during the disturbances.

Nahel's Funeral

To prevent further riots following the death of Nahel, Interior Minister Darmanin announced an unprecedented mobilization of police and gendarmes. The burial of Nahel, scheduled for Saturday in Nanterre, prompted the family's lawyers to request privacy for a day of reflection.

A significant presence of police vans was observed near Nanterre's Vieux Pont district, where the unrest originated.

Joining the plea for peace, the French national football team emphasized the importance of mourning, dialogue, and rebuilding in a statement shared on social media by captain Kylian Mbappe. Les Bleus expressed shock over Nahel's tragic death and called for peaceful and constructive means of expression.

Violence in Marseille, Lyon, Grenobole

Clashes and looting persisted in Marseille, particularly in neglected working-class neighborhoods that President Macron had visited earlier in the week. Marseille police reported 88 arrests during the night, targeting masked and highly mobile individuals involved in looting. A significant fire erupted in a supermarket, believed to be related to the riots.

Grenoble, Saint-Etienne, and Lyon also experienced looting and confrontations between hooded protesters and law enforcement. In Angers and Tours, police faced only small groups. Fires were reported in Colombes in the Paris suburbs, with firefighters extinguishing a burning car. Nine individuals carrying jerry cans and Molotov cocktails were apprehended in Nanterre.

Administrative centers in Saint-Denis and the town hall and municipal police station in Val-d'Oise were affected by fires. Bus and tram services ceased at 9:00 pm, and the sale of fireworks and inflammable substances was prohibited.

Concerts cancelled; Tour de France on track

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced the cancellation of large-scale events, including concerts by Mylene Farmer at the Stade de France on the outskirts of the capital.

The organizers of the Tour de France expressed their readiness to adjust to circumstances as the cycling race enters the country on Monday, following its commencement in Bilbao, Spain. They assured the public that they are prepared to adapt to any situation that may arise during the event.

President Macron called on parents to take responsibility for underage rioters, and he condemned the exploitation of the adolescent's death. He vowed to collaborate with social networks to address the spread of "copycat violence." Macron sought a delicate balance between the demand for a strong response and concerns about provoking further backlash.