French riots might spread to Germany, Police union says

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
4 Jul 2023 19:04

The protests in France are stocking fears in Germany as the latter's authorities say they might spill over into the country.

Youths clash with Police forces in Nanterre, outside Paris, France, on June 29, 2023 (AP)

The violent protests that shook France over the murder of a teenager at the hands of the police at a traffic stop, sweeping across the country and even spilling over to neighboring countries such as Switzerland, are now stocking concerns in Germany amid fears of the protests spreading over to the country.

The Trade Union of the Police (GdP) and the Social Association of Germany (SoVD) revealed that they were seeing parallels in terms of the lead-up to the protests, namely in the social developments.

"Such riots are also conceivable in certain places in Germany, because the rejection of democracy, the state, and state authority is also increasing in Germany," said GdP federal chairman Jochen Kopelke of the Funke media group.

SoVD chief Michaela Engelmeier expressed a similar opinion in the media, highlighting that many people in Germany, just like in France, feel socially disadvantaged if not left behind. "Due to high price increases, it is enough for more and more people, it is just enough for the essentials."

It is therefore crucial that politicians take countermeasures, she added. "Because already today, not feeling represented is having an effect on disenchantment with politics amid a growing willingness to vote for extremist parties."

Both officials also underlined that the situation in Germany is not comparable with France as the country has been suffering under violent protests for days, namely since the death of Nahel M., a 17-year-old, at the hands of the police, which has so far led to looting, violent clashes with the police, and the arrest of thousands of people.

The cold-blooded murder of Nahel by French police officers in Nanterre has exposed deep division within French societies. The event sparked ablaze a fire that holds within it decades' worth of resentment felt by minorities in France toward authorities.

The protests have also angered the right in France, which criticized Macron's government for its inability to deal with the situation, leading to clashes between white French citizens and protesters in Paris.

Meanwhile, as protests intensify and expand, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that France is increasing its police force to 45,000 officers nationally in preparation for what is anticipated to be the fourth consecutive night of violent protests.

Tensions have been rising with protesters and police officers clashing in several areas.

An anonymous police source confirmed that nearly 6,200 people participated in the protests, during which signs like "Police kill," and "Our lives are in danger" were held up by protesters.

Concurrently, Macron called for an early morning crisis meeting of his ministers and urged calm. He branded the overnight clashes "unjustifiable" and told the meeting the "last few hours have been marked by scenes of violence against police stations, but also schools and town halls... against institutions and the Republic."

However, far-right leader Marine Le Pen claimed that the police officer involved was entitled to the "presumption of innocence."