<p>Over 150 people were arrested overnight across France in connection with the violent protests that broke out since the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop, said the interior ministry, on Monday (July 3). Meanwhile, France’s mayors called on public and elected officials to hold a rally against the nearly week-long riots. This comes amid the first signs of the unrest easing emerge with lower arrests and violence witnessed.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened on Sunday?</strong></h2>

<p>There was a relative calm overnight after five nights of violent protests with the interior ministry reporting the lowest number of arrests made in the last few days. This comes after more than 700 arrests the night before and over 1,300 on Friday night.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-are-using-nahel-as-excuse-fatally-shot-teens-grandmother-hits-out-at-violent-protesters-611123">&nbsp;'They are using Nahel as excuse': Fatally shot teen's grandmother hits out at violent protesters</a></strong></p>

<p>The government deployed up to 45,000 police officers onto the streets across the country overnight on Sunday&nbsp;to quell the unrest. The unrest follows the fatal shooting of Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager of North African descent, on Tuesday, by a police officer at a traffic stop.</p>

<p>Three police officers were also wounded, said the ministry. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin reported that a 24-year-old fireman died while trying to douse burning vehicles in an underground car park north of Paris.&nbsp;However, it was not immediately clear if the incident was related to the protests. He added that “an investigation is underway” to determine the circumstances of the burning vehicles.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>French Mayors call for ‘anti-riot’ rally</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, on Monday, an association of the country’s myors said that “everywhere in France is the scene of serious unrest, which targets republican symbols with extreme violence.” This also comes a day after an attack on conservative mayor Vincent Jeanbrun of L'Hay-les-Roses’ home outside Paris.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-streets-relatively-calm-fewer-arrests-over-riots-611396">French streets relatively calm, fewer arrests over riots</a></strong></p>

<p>According to reports, assailants rammed a car into his home in a supposed bid to set the house on fire. The move has since been condemned by lawmakers across the spectrum, including left-wing politicians in France.<br />
<br />
The incident reportedly occurred when Jeanburn’s wife and children (aged five and seven) were at home while the mayor was at the town hall dealing with the ongoing violent protest situation. The prosecutors said that his wife’s leg was “badly injured” and has also sustained a broken leg, adding that&nbsp;have since opened an attempted murder investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-riots-sporadic-violence-across-country-after-teenagers-funeral-top-points-610943">France riots | Protesters ram car into mayor's house, teen's funeral held: Top points</a></strong><br />
<br />
In an interview after the incident, Jeanbrun told the French media, on Sunday, “There is no doubt that they wanted to burn the house…(when) they realised that there was someone inside, far from stopping, they set off a broadside of fireworks mortars.” He added, “I never would have imagined that my family would be threatened with death.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Elysee said that French President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;will address two chambers of parliament on Monday and mayors of more than 220 towns hit by the recent protests on Tuesday. Earlier, Macron&nbsp;postponed his visit to Germany scheduled for Sunday given the days-long&nbsp;riots.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Over 150 people were arrested overnight across France in connection with the violent protests that broke out since the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop, said the interior ministry, on Monday (July 3).

Over 150 people were arrested overnight across France in connection with the violent protests that broke out since the killing of a 17-year-old teenager by a police officer at a traffic stop, said the interior ministry, on Monday (July 3). Meanwhile, France’s mayors called on public and elected officials to hold a rally against the nearly week-long riots. This comes amid the first signs of the unrest easing emerge with lower arrests and violence witnessed. What happened on Sunday? There was a relative calm overnight after five nights of violent protests with the interior ministry reporting the lowest number of arrests made in the last few days. This comes after more than 700 arrests the night before and over 1,300 on Friday night. ALSO READ | 'They are using Nahel as excuse': Fatally shot teen's grandmother hits out at violent protesters The government deployed up to 45,000 police officers onto the streets across the country overnight on Sunday to quell the unrest. The unrest follows the fatal shooting of Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager of North African descent, on Tuesday, by a police officer at a traffic stop. Three police officers were also wounded, said the ministry. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin reported that a 24-year-old fireman died while trying to douse burning vehicles in an underground car park north of Paris. However, it was not immediately clear if the incident was related to the protests. He added that “an investigation is underway” to determine the circumstances of the burning vehicles. French Mayors call for ‘anti-riot’ rally In a statement, on Monday, an association of the country’s myors said that “everywhere in France is the scene of serious unrest, which targets republican symbols with extreme violence.” This also comes a day after an attack on conservative mayor Vincent Jeanbrun of L'Hay-les-Roses’ home outside Paris. ALSO READ | French streets relatively calm, fewer arrests over riots According to reports, assailants rammed a car into his home in a supposed bid to set the house on fire. The move has since been condemned by lawmakers across the spectrum, including left-wing politicians in France. The incident reportedly occurred when Jeanburn’s wife and children (aged five and seven) were at home while the mayor was at the town hall dealing with the ongoing violent protest situation. The prosecutors said that his wife’s leg was “badly injured” and has also sustained a broken leg, adding that have since opened an attempted murder investigation. ALSO READ | France riots | Protesters ram car into mayor's house, teen's funeral held: Top points In an interview after the incident, Jeanbrun told the French media, on Sunday, “There is no doubt that they wanted to burn the house…(when) they realised that there was someone inside, far from stopping, they set off a broadside of fireworks mortars.” He added, “I never would have imagined that my family would be threatened with death.” The Elysee said that French President Emmanuel Macron will address two chambers of parliament on Monday and mayors of more than 220 towns hit by the recent protests on Tuesday. Earlier, Macron postponed his visit to Germany scheduled for Sunday given the days-long riots. (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: Mayors call for anti-riot rally amid relative calm, less arrests

<p>Police in Paris fired tear gas shells at protesters demonstrating against President Emmanuel Macron's government.</p>

<p>The protesters called for a salary increase while demanding the newly-elected president&nbsp;drop plans to raise the retirement age.</p>

<p>The French interior minister Gerald Darmanin said at least 29 people were arrested during the protests. Clashes took place between the police and protesters at La Republique Square, reports said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-france-to-britain-workers-rally-worldwide-to-mark-labour-day-475541">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-france-to-britain-workers-rally-worldwide-to-mark-labour-day-475541" hreflang="en">From France to Britain: Workers rally worldwide to mark Labour Day</a></p>

<p>A McDonald's restaurant was reportedly ransacked. Police said firefighters were attacked even as rallies were organised in key cities including &nbsp;Marseille, Nantes, Lille and Toulouse.</p>

<p>The protesters carried banners which said&nbsp;"retirement at 60, freeze prices" and &nbsp;"retirement before arthritis" during anti-government demonstrations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Macron 2.0: What's next for France?</strong></p>

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<p>Macron recently beat far-right challenger Marine Le Pen in the presidential polls in a runoff vote. Reports claim Marine Le Pen, 53, may stand in parliamentary elections in June.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Macron was attacked with tomatoes earlier this week during his first public appearance after his re-election victory.</p>

<p>Last year, the French president was slapped in the face while he was greeting locals. Macron is set to name a new prime minister and government as he begins his second term as president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Police in Paris fired tear gas shells at protesters demonstrating against President Emmanuel Macron's government. The protesters called for a salary increase while demanding the newly-elected president drop plans to raise the retirement age.

Police in Paris fired tear gas shells at protesters demonstrating against President Emmanuel Macron's government. The protesters called for a salary increase while demanding the newly-elected president drop plans to raise the retirement age. The French interior minister Gerald Darmanin said at least 29 people were arrested during the protests. Clashes took place between the police and protesters at La Republique Square, reports said. Also Read in Pics: From France to Britain: Workers rally worldwide to mark Labour Day A McDonald's restaurant was reportedly ransacked. Police said firefighters were attacked even as rallies were organised in key cities including Marseille, Nantes, Lille and Toulouse. The protesters carried banners which said "retirement at 60, freeze prices" and "retirement before arthritis" during anti-government demonstrations. Watch: Macron 2.0: What's next for France? Macron recently beat far-right challenger Marine Le Pen in the presidential polls in a runoff vote. Reports claim Marine Le Pen, 53, may stand in parliamentary elections in June. Macron was attacked with tomatoes earlier this week during his first public appearance after his re-election victory. Last year, the French president was slapped in the face while he was greeting locals. Macron is set to name a new prime minister and government as he begins his second term as president. (With inputs from Agencies) Watch WION LIVE Here

May Day protests erupt in Paris against Macron

<p>Police in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-policemen-detained-after-they-beat-black-man-345966">France</a> fired tear gas shells at protesters who were demonstrating against police violence in Paris.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>People demanding free press took out protests in France as anger boiled into the streets as police beating of a <strong>Black music producer</strong> riled citizens.</p>

<p>The demonstrators have been protesting against the new security law which restricts the right of the press to broadcast images of police officers in action.</p>

<p>People filled the Place de la Republique in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-mulls-law-to-ban-pictures-of-police-officials-in-action-345159">Paris</a> amid the coronavirus pandemic. President Emmanuel Macron had earlier said that the images of the beating of black music producer <strong>Michel Zecler</strong> "shame us" calling it an &nbsp;"unacceptable attack". The police have meanwhile opened an investigation against four officers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"France must never allow hate or racism to spread," Macron said.</p>

<p>The protesters marched from <strong>Place de la Republique</strong> to Place de la Bastille as public anger boiled over. In an attempt to cool tempers, PM Jean Castex had said that he would appoint a commission to redraft <strong>Article 24</strong> but backtraced after Speaker Richard Ferrand accused the prime minister of overriding the parliament.</p>

<p>In Nantes, organisers said there were at least 6,000-7,000 people with 5,000 people in southern Montpellier.</p>

<p>The demonstrators have been calling for Article 24 to be withdrawn asserting that goes against the fundamental public freedom of the Republic.</p>

<p>In more headache for the <strong>Macron</strong> government, reports say trade unions and yellow vest protesters are also expected to join the protests as people in Toulouse demonstrated on Friday against police brutality.</p>


Police in France fired tear gas shells at protesters who were demonstrating against police violence in Paris. Watch: People demanding free press took out protests in France as anger boiled into the streets as police beating of a Black music producer riled citizens.

Police in France fired tear gas shells at protesters who were demonstrating against police violence in Paris. Watch: People demanding free press took out protests in France as anger boiled into the streets as police beating of a Black music producer riled citizens. The demonstrators have been protesting against the new security law which restricts the right of the press to broadcast images of police officers in action. People filled the Place de la Republique in Paris amid the coronavirus pandemic. President Emmanuel Macron had earlier said that the images of the beating of black music producer Michel Zecler "shame us" calling it an "unacceptable attack". The police have meanwhile opened an investigation against four officers. "France must never allow hate or racism to spread," Macron said. The protesters marched from Place de la Republique to Place de la Bastille as public anger boiled over. In an attempt to cool tempers, PM Jean Castex had said that he would appoint a commission to redraft Article 24 but backtraced after Speaker Richard Ferrand accused the prime minister of overriding the parliament. In Nantes, organisers said there were at least 6,000-7,000 people with 5,000 people in southern Montpellier. The demonstrators have been calling for Article 24 to be withdrawn asserting that goes against the fundamental public freedom of the Republic. In more headache for the Macron government, reports say trade unions and yellow vest protesters are also expected to join the protests as people in Toulouse demonstrated on Friday against police brutality.

Security officials in France fire tear gas at protesters over police violence

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron is standing at a crucial juncture - it is a make or break moment for him.</p>

<p>When Macron came to power in 2017, he promised to "transform not reform" France. He called for an international roadmap to fight terrorism and promised zero tolerance for crimes. Macron is France's youngest president and three years into office, he has been dealing with multiple challenges.</p>

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<p>Macron is fighting criticism at home and abroad and thousands of miles from Paris, there are people burning Macron's effigies, stepping on his photos, brandishing swords and calling for the boycott of French goods.</p>

<p>In Pakistan, things have spiralled out of control. The government bowed to Islamists and agreed to have the French envoy leave the country. Macron has suddenly become one of the world's most controversial leaders by standing up for the French constitution and for sovereignty, and freedom of expression.</p>

<p>He has cracked down on terror and called out political Islam and in doing so, he has become one of the most hated leaders in the Muslim world. There are countries standing by Macron as he fights radicalism but there are also countries like Pakistan. Leaders like Imran Khan, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Malaysia's Mahathir Mohammad who are trying to build a chorus against Macron.</p>

<p>Macron's troubles do not end there, in Marseille, people have been protesting the Wuhan virus lockdown measures. Restaurant owners want the Macron government to allow businesses to reopen. Gym owners want their gyms to reopen, nightclub owners too have the same demand.</p>

<p>In Cannes, people are unhappy with the Macron government.</p>

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<p>"We have been closed since October 15, there's no one around anymore. We've scheduled to open on April 1, because now, it's not worth it. Just to sell two rooms, money will just go down the drain. So it's unfortunate. Cannes runs on conventions. We haven't had a convention this year. It runs on national travel and flights," owner of hotel Pruly, Jean-luc Drouot, says.<br />
"<br />
Similar sentiments are being echoed across France where restrictions have been implemented to deal with the impact of the second wave of the Wuhan virus. After Macron's government proposed a security law which would make publishing images of police officers a criminal offence things have got worse for him.</p>

<p>The government says the proposal is intended to protect police officials and critics say it endangers journalists and observers who take photos and capture videos of the police conduct during demonstrations.</p>

<p>France is headed for a presidential election in 2022. Macron won 66 per cent of French votes in 2017 but a year into office he faced the yellow vest protests. Macron's approval rating fell to 29 per cent, now throw in the pandemic, and the humanitarian crisis it has brought along, add to that the global economic crisis, the protests against Macron at home and abroad...</p>

<p>A poll conducted in October found 63 per cent people disapproved of Macron. His popularity dropped by 3 per cent within a month. When Macron came to office in 2017, he promised to transform France and the French police system and promised to uphold secularism and fight terrorism.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
If Macron manages to turn things around he will set an example for not just Europe but the entire world but if he slips, he loses office.</p>


French President Emmanuel Macron is standing at a crucial juncture - it is a make or break moment for him. When Macron came to power in 2017, he promised to "transform not reform" France.

French President Emmanuel Macron is standing at a crucial juncture - it is a make or break moment for him. When Macron came to power in 2017, he promised to "transform not reform" France. He called for an international roadmap to fight terrorism and promised zero tolerance for crimes. Macron is France's youngest president and three years into office, he has been dealing with multiple challenges. × Macron is fighting criticism at home and abroad and thousands of miles from Paris, there are people burning Macron's effigies, stepping on his photos, brandishing swords and calling for the boycott of French goods. In Pakistan, things have spiralled out of control. The government bowed to Islamists and agreed to have the French envoy leave the country. Macron has suddenly become one of the world's most controversial leaders by standing up for the French constitution and for sovereignty, and freedom of expression. He has cracked down on terror and called out political Islam and in doing so, he has become one of the most hated leaders in the Muslim world. There are countries standing by Macron as he fights radicalism but there are also countries like Pakistan. Leaders like Imran Khan, Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Malaysia's Mahathir Mohammad who are trying to build a chorus against Macron. Macron's troubles do not end there, in Marseille, people have been protesting the Wuhan virus lockdown measures. Restaurant owners want the Macron government to allow businesses to reopen. Gym owners want their gyms to reopen, nightclub owners too have the same demand. In Cannes, people are unhappy with the Macron government. × "We have been closed since October 15, there's no one around anymore. We've scheduled to open on April 1, because now, it's not worth it. Just to sell two rooms, money will just go down the drain. So it's unfortunate. Cannes runs on conventions. We haven't had a convention this year. It runs on national travel and flights," owner of hotel Pruly, Jean-luc Drouot, says. " Similar sentiments are being echoed across France where restrictions have been implemented to deal with the impact of the second wave of the Wuhan virus. After Macron's government proposed a security law which would make publishing images of police officers a criminal offence things have got worse for him. The government says the proposal is intended to protect police officials and critics say it endangers journalists and observers who take photos and capture videos of the police conduct during demonstrations. France is headed for a presidential election in 2022. Macron won 66 per cent of French votes in 2017 but a year into office he faced the yellow vest protests. Macron's approval rating fell to 29 per cent, now throw in the pandemic, and the humanitarian crisis it has brought along, add to that the global economic crisis, the protests against Macron at home and abroad... A poll conducted in October found 63 per cent people disapproved of Macron. His popularity dropped by 3 per cent within a month. When Macron came to office in 2017, he promised to transform France and the French police system and promised to uphold secularism and fight terrorism. If Macron manages to turn things around he will set an example for not just Europe but the entire world but if he slips, he loses office.

Macron faces opposition at home and abroad