Several cities have decided to cancel their July 14 festivities for fear of further outbursts after the June riots. The Ministry of the Interior has put in place an “exceptional” security system for the coming weekend.
It is an “exceptional” security device that must be put in place for the National Day festivities. This Wednesday, July 12, Gérald Darmanin, Minister of the Interior, clarified the measures envisaged to keep the violence of July 14 at bay. To avoid any overflow during the celebrations this Friday, the government will mobilize 45,000 “police and gendarmes as well as the GIGN and the Raid” every evening for two days. A reinforced security plan since in comparison, the same number of units were on the ground at the height of the riots following the death of Nahel in June in Nanterre.
“The festivities linked to our national holiday are unfortunately traditionally marked by acts of violence”, explained the Minister of the Interior to defend a ban on demonstrations effective until July 15. Gérald Darmanin promised “great firmness towards those who would like to spoil” this weekend of festivities. A series of measures have been taken, in particular the suspension of buses and trams from 10 p.m. throughout France. The Paris police chief, Laurent Nuñez, then confirmed that the capital will be no exception.
The festivities on the occasion of the National Day are an important moment for our compatriots. We will do everything to fight against insecurity. pic.twitter.com/pKIAXE9aqW
— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) July 12, 2023
The Ministry of the Interior is following the “same modus operandi as during the riots” which broke out following the death of Nahel M., killed by a police officer on June 27. 45,000 police and gendarmes are therefore mobilized for days, including 10,000 in Paris. In terms of staff, the Raid, the GIGN, the BRI will once again be dispatched to the territory in the most sensitive areas. The helicopters and armored vehicles of the gendarmerie seen in June will be used. For the rescue forces, 40,000 firefighters will be on the lookout every night during this weekend.
Fireworks banned for July 14?
Ahead of the National Day, the Prime Minister has prohibited, via a decree, “the sale, the port, the transport and the use” of firework mortars during this weekend. If authorized professionals and municipalities organizing fireworks are not affected by this text, all individuals are.
Usually available over the counter, fireworks have been regularly diverted from their traditional use to fend off law enforcement during recent riots. And the seizures of these fireworks have multiplied since the riot week in June. Gérald Darmanin welcomed the assessment of “150,000” mortars seized in recent days.