France is divided over who to blame for weekend riots
France is experiencing intense political debate and public division following violent weekend riots in Paris. While the prime minister and intelligence reports point to far-left anarchist groups for orchestrating the destruction, citizens and leaders debate the underlying causes and whether the violence reflects broader societal unrest.
Why it matters
Highlights growing social and political polarization in Europe, as authorities grapple with domestic extremism, public protest management, and political accountability.
Image source, AFP via Getty Images Image caption, The French prime minister has blamed far-left groups for planning some of the violence
"This is not the face of France! You media all focus on the violence and destruction of Saturday's protests. But that's not the majority. It's not 'us'. That's not France!"
Elisabeth was speaking to me in front of a row of smashed shop windows, shattered glass still littering the tree-lined Parisian street. Its walls were daubed with red-lettered graffiti insulting French police and signed with the date of the riots, 17 October.
I'd stopped Elisabeth and her friend to ask their thoughts on what happened on Saturday. Elisabeth was so upset that, when she spoke, she seemed close to tears.
"My friend thinks this is civil war in France but I don't. Saturday is about something else entirely."
Headlinne story · 8 newsrooms
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