French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his state visit to Germany due to growing unrest in the country, following instances of riots, loot and arson. Macron approached the&nbsp;German presidency and asked for a postponement of the 'planned visit'.&nbsp;

"French President Macron spoke today by telephone with German President (Frank-Walter) Steinmeier and informed him of the situation in his country," a presidency statement said.

"President Macron asked for a postponement of his planned state visit to Germany," it added, without divulging if a new date had been agreed for the postponed visit.&nbsp;

The German president regretted the "cancellation" but said he "has full understanding given the situation in our neighbouring country". He hoped that&nbsp;"the violence on the streets will end as soon as possible and that social peace can be restored".&nbsp;

The state visit was scheduled to begin on Sunday (July 2) at the invitation of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. It was supposed to be the first state visit by a French president in 23 years, since Jacques Chirac travelled to Berlin in 2000.

The visit was to take place from July 2 to 4 and according to Steinmeier's office, it was intended&nbsp;"to honour the close friendship of the two countries in the 60th year of the Elysée Treaty" on bilateral relations.&nbsp;

Macron was supposed to visit "several regions of Germany"&nbsp;in order to "underline the unique ties" between the two countries and its citizens, particularly the youth.&nbsp;

<h2>What is happening in France?</h2>

France has plunged into anarchy after protests started in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of a teen, metamorphosed into countrywide riots.&nbsp;Violent protesters, mostly young, clashed with police and looted luxury stores, putting further pressure on President&nbsp;Macron.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Protests and violence in France as police kills a driver in Nanterre

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According to reports, more than 1,300 people have been arrested in the four days since the protests began. Over 45,000 police officers, including special forces, have been pressed into service to contain the situation, especially in Marseille and Lyon, the two biggest cities in France and the epicentre of violence.&nbsp;

Such has been the situation that French footballer Kylian Mbappe released a statement, condemning the violence and urging protesters to calm down.&nbsp;

"Violence solves nothing, even less when it inevitably and tirelessly turns against those who express it, their families, loved ones and neighbours," Mbappe&nbsp;said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-protests-hundreds-arrested-as-macron-appeals-for-calm-mbappe-reacts-610727">Also read |&nbsp;France protests: Hundreds arrested as Macron appeals for calm; Mbappe reacts</a>

"It is your property that you are destroying, your neighbourhoods, your council estates, your places of fulfillment and proximity," he wrote on Twitter.

“The time of violence must end to make way for that of mourning, dialogue and reconstruction.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his state visit to Germany due to growing unrest in the country, following instances of riots, loot and arson. Macron approached the German presidency and asked for a postponement of the 'planned visit'.

French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his state visit to Germany due to growing unrest in the country, following instances of riots, loot and arson. Macron approached the German presidency and asked for a postponement of the 'planned visit'. "French President Macron spoke today by telephone with German President (Frank-Walter) Steinmeier and informed him of the situation in his country," a presidency statement said. "President Macron asked for a postponement of his planned state visit to Germany," it added, without divulging if a new date had been agreed for the postponed visit. The German president regretted the "cancellation" but said he "has full understanding given the situation in our neighbouring country". He hoped that "the violence on the streets will end as soon as possible and that social peace can be restored". The state visit was scheduled to begin on Sunday (July 2) at the invitation of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. It was supposed to be the first state visit by a French president in 23 years, since Jacques Chirac travelled to Berlin in 2000. The visit was to take place from July 2 to 4 and according to Steinmeier's office, it was intended "to honour the close friendship of the two countries in the 60th year of the Elysée Treaty" on bilateral relations. Macron was supposed to visit "several regions of Germany" in order to "underline the unique ties" between the two countries and its citizens, particularly the youth. What is happening in France? France has plunged into anarchy after protests started in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of a teen, metamorphosed into countrywide riots. Violent protesters, mostly young, clashed with police and looted luxury stores, putting further pressure on President Macron. Watch | Protests and violence in France as police kills a driver in Nanterre × According to reports, more than 1,300 people have been arrested in the four days since the protests began. Over 45,000 police officers, including special forces, have been pressed into service to contain the situation, especially in Marseille and Lyon, the two biggest cities in France and the epicentre of violence. Such has been the situation that French footballer Kylian Mbappe released a statement, condemning the violence and urging protesters to calm down. "Violence solves nothing, even less when it inevitably and tirelessly turns against those who express it, their families, loved ones and neighbours," Mbappe said. Also read | France protests: Hundreds arrested as Macron appeals for calm; Mbappe reacts "It is your property that you are destroying, your neighbourhoods, your council estates, your places of fulfillment and proximity," he wrote on Twitter. “The time of violence must end to make way for that of mourning, dialogue and reconstruction.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Macron postpones state visit to Germany as riots escalate across France

France continued to simmer for the second consecutive day as thousands of more security forces were deployed across the nation to prevent violent protests sparked over the fatal shooting of a&nbsp;teenager, reportedly of African origin, by the police.

Violent clashes erupted during a march in the outskirts of Paris, where a 17-year-old boy was fatally shot by the police during a traffic stop earlier this week. Videos circulating online depicts intense confrontations between protesters and law enforcement, with police employing tear gas and rubber bullets in response to projectiles being thrown by the demonstrators.

In a separate video, police officers were observed charging towards a group of protesters, while some individuals retaliated with throwing objects amid a backdrop of smoke-filled surroundings. Additionally, a building was seen engulfed in flames, while nearby protesters opted to conceal their identities by wearing masks.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the police officer who shot the 17-year-old driver dead has been charged with voluntary homicide.&nbsp;

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said earlier that at least 150 people have been arrested across the country, and several public buildings have been "burned or attacked".

Videos going viral on social media purportedly showed angry mobs torching cars and ransacking shops on Wednesday (June 28).

<h2>Mobs rampage in suburbs around Paris </h2>

Le Monde newspaper reported that the mob remained uncontrolled in Nanterre, the suburb of Nahel, that police had to partially withdraw.

In Paris, protesters were seen attacking police stations with fireworks.

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In the northern city of Lille, the agitators clashed with police. A video clip shared online showed people inside the town hall of the Mons-en-Barœul suburb setting&nbsp;documents and chairs alight.

In the western town of Rennes, around 300 people gathered to pay tribute to the 17-year-old delivery driver who was shot during a traffic stop.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

The deceased, identified as Nahel M from the western Paris suburb of Nanterre, was pulled over by two policemen for violating traffic rules while driving a yellow Mercedes on Tuesday morning.

Initially, the cops reported that an officer had shot at the teenager because he was driving his car at him, but it was later contradicted by a video circulating online and authenticated by many media channels.

The clip shows the two policemen standing by the side of the stationary car, with one pointing a weapon at the driver.

A voice is heard saying "You are going to get a bullet in the head."

The police officer then appears to fire as the car abruptly drives off.

<h2>President Macron’s rare criticism of police</h2>

The incident drew a rare rebuke from President Emanuel Macron who called the shooting of Nahel "unforgivable".

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne told parliament that the operation "was obviously not in line with the rules of engagement for police".

The remarks from Macron drew the ire of the police unions, who accused him of rushing to judge the officers involved.

The Alliance Police union called for them to be presumed innocent until found guilty, while the rival Unité SGP Police also spoke of political interventions that encouraged "anti-cop hatred", reports BBC.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-braces-for-more-protests-as-macron-calls-shooting-of-teen-by-police-as-unforgivable-609682">France braces for more protests, Macron calls teen's shooting 'unforgivable'</a>

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin assured action against another union, France Police, after it reportedly posted a tweet before deleting that justified the killing of the teenager.

The tweet said "bravo" to the officers who "opened fire on a young criminal" and blamed the teen's parents for his death, claiming they had been "unable to educate their son".

The mother of Nael M shared a video on the TikTok platform in which she called people for a tribute march for her son on Thursday. "This is a revolt for my son," she stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

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France continued to simmer for the second consecutive day as thousands of more security forces were deployed across the nation to prevent violent protests sparked over the fatal shooting of a teenager, reportedly of African origin, by the police.

France continued to simmer for the second consecutive day as thousands of more security forces were deployed across the nation to prevent violent protests sparked over the fatal shooting of a teenager, reportedly of African origin, by the police. Violent clashes erupted during a march in the outskirts of Paris, where a 17-year-old boy was fatally shot by the police during a traffic stop earlier this week. Videos circulating online depicts intense confrontations between protesters and law enforcement, with police employing tear gas and rubber bullets in response to projectiles being thrown by the demonstrators. In a separate video, police officers were observed charging towards a group of protesters, while some individuals retaliated with throwing objects amid a backdrop of smoke-filled surroundings. Additionally, a building was seen engulfed in flames, while nearby protesters opted to conceal their identities by wearing masks. Meanwhile, it has been reported that the police officer who shot the 17-year-old driver dead has been charged with voluntary homicide. Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said earlier that at least 150 people have been arrested across the country, and several public buildings have been "burned or attacked". Videos going viral on social media purportedly showed angry mobs torching cars and ransacking shops on Wednesday (June 28). Mobs rampage in suburbs around Paris Le Monde newspaper reported that the mob remained uncontrolled in Nanterre, the suburb of Nahel, that police had to partially withdraw. In Paris, protesters were seen attacking police stations with fireworks. In the northern city of Lille, the agitators clashed with police. A video clip shared online showed people inside the town hall of the Mons-en-Barœul suburb setting documents and chairs alight. In the western town of Rennes, around 300 people gathered to pay tribute to the 17-year-old delivery driver who was shot during a traffic stop. What happened? The deceased, identified as Nahel M from the western Paris suburb of Nanterre, was pulled over by two policemen for violating traffic rules while driving a yellow Mercedes on Tuesday morning. Initially, the cops reported that an officer had shot at the teenager because he was driving his car at him, but it was later contradicted by a video circulating online and authenticated by many media channels. The clip shows the two policemen standing by the side of the stationary car, with one pointing a weapon at the driver. A voice is heard saying "You are going to get a bullet in the head." The police officer then appears to fire as the car abruptly drives off. President Macron’s rare criticism of police The incident drew a rare rebuke from President Emanuel Macron who called the shooting of Nahel "unforgivable". Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne told parliament that the operation "was obviously not in line with the rules of engagement for police". The remarks from Macron drew the ire of the police unions, who accused him of rushing to judge the officers involved. The Alliance Police union called for them to be presumed innocent until found guilty, while the rival Unité SGP Police also spoke of political interventions that encouraged "anti-cop hatred", reports BBC. Also read | France braces for more protests, Macron calls teen's shooting 'unforgivable' Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin assured action against another union, France Police, after it reportedly posted a tweet before deleting that justified the killing of the teenager. The tweet said "bravo" to the officers who "opened fire on a young criminal" and blamed the teen's parents for his death, claiming they had been "unable to educate their son". The mother of Nael M shared a video on the TikTok platform in which she called people for a tribute march for her son on Thursday. "This is a revolt for my son," she stated. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

At least 150 arrested in France as violent protests continue over fatal shooting of teenager

Last-ditch talks between French unions and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne over pension reforms have failed, the unions informed on Wednesday. Following the latest disappointment, the French unions called for record turnout at protest rallies the next day. The meeting was the first between the unions and the government ever since the contentious pensions bill was introduced by the government in January.

The talks lasted barely an hour and all union leaders echoed that the meeting had been a failure. Soon after the talks failed, CGT activists hung a banner reading "64, it's no" from the top of the capital's Arc de Triomphe monument.

The pension reforms have proven to be President Emmanuel Macron's biggest challenge during his second term. The pension overhaul will increase the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64 for all French citizens. The government says the change is necessary to balance the pension budget in years to come. The unions say the money can be found elsewhere.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/watch-macron-takes-off-luxury-watch-on-television-while-taking-about-pension-reforms-irks-protesters-575536">Macron takes off luxury watch on television while talking about pension reforms, irks protesters</a>

People have been angry over the pension reforms ever since Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on March 16 invoked a controversial executive order to move the bill through parliament without a vote, ignoring months of mass protests against it.

Ahead of Wednesday's talks with Borne, unions had warned that they would storm out if the government doesn't agree to pull the plug on increasing the retirement age.

"It's clearly a failure when the prime minister won't even allow a way into that discussion," said Cyril Chabanier, speaking on behalf of the country's eight main unions.

"We again told the prime minister that the only democratic outcome could be the text's withdrawal. The prime minister replied that she wished to maintain the text," he added.

Borne, meanwhile, said that she is open to talks but will not back down on the retirement age.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Last-ditch talks between French unions and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne over pension reforms have failed, the unions informed on Wednesday. Following the latest disappointment, the French unions called for record turnout at protest rallies the next day.

Last-ditch talks between French unions and Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne over pension reforms have failed, the unions informed on Wednesday. Following the latest disappointment, the French unions called for record turnout at protest rallies the next day. The meeting was the first between the unions and the government ever since the contentious pensions bill was introduced by the government in January. The talks lasted barely an hour and all union leaders echoed that the meeting had been a failure. Soon after the talks failed, CGT activists hung a banner reading "64, it's no" from the top of the capital's Arc de Triomphe monument. The pension reforms have proven to be President Emmanuel Macron's biggest challenge during his second term. The pension overhaul will increase the minimum retirement age from 62 to 64 for all French citizens. The government says the change is necessary to balance the pension budget in years to come. The unions say the money can be found elsewhere. Also Read | Macron takes off luxury watch on television while talking about pension reforms, irks protesters People have been angry over the pension reforms ever since Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on March 16 invoked a controversial executive order to move the bill through parliament without a vote, ignoring months of mass protests against it. Ahead of Wednesday's talks with Borne, unions had warned that they would storm out if the government doesn't agree to pull the plug on increasing the retirement age. "It's clearly a failure when the prime minister won't even allow a way into that discussion," said Cyril Chabanier, speaking on behalf of the country's eight main unions. "We again told the prime minister that the only democratic outcome could be the text's withdrawal. The prime minister replied that she wished to maintain the text," he added. Borne, meanwhile, said that she is open to talks but will not back down on the retirement age. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Talks between French unions and prime minister fail ahead of fresh protests on Thursday

The ninth day of protests against the pension reforms in France saw over a million people take to the streets, with at least&nbsp;119,000 in Paris&nbsp;alone. It was a day of violent protests as a&nbsp;Bordeaux town hall was set on fire. It wasn't clear who was behind the blaze which was quickly put out.&nbsp;

President Emmanuel Macron's hugely controversial pension reform&nbsp;saw&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;clash with French security forces on Thursday.&nbsp;The reform calls for the retirement age to be increased from 62 to 64.

Watch |&nbsp;Protests rock France over raising of retirement age

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As per Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, 149 police officers and dozens of protestors were injured in the Thursday clashes. In addition, 172 people were arrested across the country, 72 of them in Paris.

Darmanin alleged that "there are thugs, often from the far-left, who want to bring down the state and kill police officers."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-braces-for-ninth-nationwide-day-of-strikes-against-pension-reform-bill-574952">France braces for ninth day of nationwide strikes against pension reform bill</a>

Reportedly lighting fires&nbsp;throughout the city centre and engaging in a sort of cat-and-mouse game with the security forces, the rioting groups continued to clash with police in Paris late into the night.&nbsp;As per Darmanin, 140 fires were set alight in Paris.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/rubbish-piles-up-in-paris-protests-over-pension-reforms-continue-across-france-574675">Rubbish piles up in Paris, protests over pension reforms continue across France</a>

In several other cities, including Nantes, and Lorient in the west, and Lille in the north, to subdue protestors, police had to fire tear gas. In Rennes,&nbsp;water cannons were put into use. Additionally, as per AFP, in the southwestern city of Bordeaux, the porch of the city hall was briefly set on fire.

As per the French interior ministry, around 1.089 million protesters took part in demonstrations across France. In Paris, the turnout stood at 119,000, which as per AFP is the highest for the capital since the movement started in January.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The ninth day of protests against the pension reforms in France saw over a million people take to the streets, with at least 119,000 in Paris alone. It was a day of violent protests as a Bordeaux town hall was set on fire.

The ninth day of protests against the pension reforms in France saw over a million people take to the streets, with at least 119,000 in Paris alone. It was a day of violent protests as a Bordeaux town hall was set on fire. It wasn't clear who was behind the blaze which was quickly put out. President Emmanuel Macron's hugely controversial pension reform saw protesters clash with French security forces on Thursday. The reform calls for the retirement age to be increased from 62 to 64. Watch | Protests rock France over raising of retirement age As per Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, 149 police officers and dozens of protestors were injured in the Thursday clashes. In addition, 172 people were arrested across the country, 72 of them in Paris. Darmanin alleged that "there are thugs, often from the far-left, who want to bring down the state and kill police officers." Also read | France braces for ninth day of nationwide strikes against pension reform bill Reportedly lighting fires throughout the city centre and engaging in a sort of cat-and-mouse game with the security forces, the rioting groups continued to clash with police in Paris late into the night. As per Darmanin, 140 fires were set alight in Paris. Also read | Rubbish piles up in Paris, protests over pension reforms continue across France In several other cities, including Nantes, and Lorient in the west, and Lille in the north, to subdue protestors, police had to fire tear gas. In Rennes, water cannons were put into use. Additionally, as per AFP, in the southwestern city of Bordeaux, the porch of the city hall was briefly set on fire. As per the French interior ministry, around 1.089 million protesters took part in demonstrations across France. In Paris, the turnout stood at 119,000, which as per AFP is the highest for the capital since the movement started in January. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France pension reform protests turn violent, Bordeaux town hall set on fire

The ninth day of nationwide strikes against an unpopular pension reforms bill kicked off in France on Thursday. Train services were disrupted and some schools were shut amid the strikes. Protesters blocked a highway near Toulouse in southwestern France early morning and a bus depot in the west, in Rennes, Le Parisien newspaper said. Garbage was seen piling on the streets of France. Several protest rallies are set to take place across the country later in the day.

Even as the people of France protest against raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said the legislation would come into force by year-end. The policy change requires people to work till the age of 64 in order to draw a full pension. Worker unions have been organising rallies against the bill since January this year.&nbsp;

"The best response we can give the president is that there are millions of people on strike and in the streets," said Philippe Martinez, who leads the hardline CGT union.

Till now, most protests have been peaceful. But people are angrier ever since the government pushed the bill through parliament without a vote last week. There have been spontaneous demonstrations in Paris and other cities in the past seven days. Angry protesters have set fire to rubbish bins and entered into scuffles with police.

Dumpsters blocking the road were set on fire&nbsp;in Toulouse on Thursday.&nbsp;

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Labour unions said Thursday's strikes and protests would draw huge crowds against&nbsp; Macron's&nbsp;"scorn" and "lies".

Meanwhile, polls show that a wide majority of French are opposed to the pension&nbsp;reform legislation. What makes the situation worse is the fact that the government decided to push it through parliament without a vote.

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Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt acknowledged that the government understood the anger, but wanted to move on.

"There is a disagreement that will persist on the retirement age. On the other hand, there are many subjects which make it possible to renew dialogue," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The ninth day of nationwide strikes against an unpopular pension reforms bill kicked off in France on Thursday. Train services were disrupted and some schools were shut amid the strikes.

The ninth day of nationwide strikes against an unpopular pension reforms bill kicked off in France on Thursday. Train services were disrupted and some schools were shut amid the strikes. Protesters blocked a highway near Toulouse in southwestern France early morning and a bus depot in the west, in Rennes, Le Parisien newspaper said. Garbage was seen piling on the streets of France. Several protest rallies are set to take place across the country later in the day. Even as the people of France protest against raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said the legislation would come into force by year-end. The policy change requires people to work till the age of 64 in order to draw a full pension. Worker unions have been organising rallies against the bill since January this year. "The best response we can give the president is that there are millions of people on strike and in the streets," said Philippe Martinez, who leads the hardline CGT union. Till now, most protests have been peaceful. But people are angrier ever since the government pushed the bill through parliament without a vote last week. There have been spontaneous demonstrations in Paris and other cities in the past seven days. Angry protesters have set fire to rubbish bins and entered into scuffles with police. Dumpsters blocking the road were set on fire in Toulouse on Thursday. #Toulouse rocade A620 échangeur de la Cépière. pic.twitter.com/QdHAPGtJEP — Talilite (@Talilyte) March 23, 2023 × Labour unions said Thursday's strikes and protests would draw huge crowds against Macron's "scorn" and "lies". Meanwhile, polls show that a wide majority of French are opposed to the pension reform legislation. What makes the situation worse is the fact that the government decided to push it through parliament without a vote. × Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt acknowledged that the government understood the anger, but wanted to move on. "There is a disagreement that will persist on the retirement age. On the other hand, there are many subjects which make it possible to renew dialogue," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France braces for ninth day of nationwide strikes against pension reform bill