Loi Ripost and violent protests in France, Digi Mart USA News (France): The French Interior Ministry promoted the Ripost law on its official website as a “major advance for the security of the French people.” The text, which aims to provide “immediate responses to phenomena disturbing public order, security and the tranquility of our fellow citizens,” was announced on September 9 and had been promulgated on August 18.
Two months almost to the day after promulgation, the country watched in shock as the October 17 unrest unfolded. Groups of hooligans and far-left activists, along with many followers, ransacked city centers in numerous communes across mainland France and in the overseas territories.
The violence caused roughly 1,000 injuries among law enforcement officers and millions of euros in damage, an intensity described as unprecedented.
Before the law was passed, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described it as marking a “shock of authority” and a “shock of efficiency.” Since then, the minister has been forced onto the defensive and must now explain to the National Assembly the shortcomings observed since the start of a student protest movement, which has now been joined by a broader social movement with “yellow vest” elements.
Criticism is easy, as is acknowledged, while the responsibility of governing is far more difficult. The article reports that fireworks and mortar shells were among the projectiles deployed during the unrest.
