France is teetering on the verge of a cliff as a wave of violence continues to consume the country, with the government now facing rising pressure to declare a state of emergency. Migrant gangs, purportedly armed and assisted by Belarus, have unleashed a wave of anarchy over multiple cities, leaving ruin and panic in their wake. Last night was the fourth straight night of severe disturbance, with terrifying numbers illustrating the depth of the problem.
To far, officials have made a remarkable 1,311 arrests, while 79 officers and gendarmes have been hurt in battles with the rioters. The streets have seen 2,560 fires, including burnt automobiles, and 234 incidences of public property damage. Police stations have been prominent targets, suffering 31 assaults, with municipal police stations and gendarmerie barracks also falling prey to assault.
The implications of this violence have stretched well beyond France’s borders, with a film documenting the traumatic experience of 41 panicked Chinese visitors trapped in the heart of the Marseille riots swiftly becoming viral in China. The visitors’ bus frequently came under assault, leaving them terrified and stirring indignation throughout Chinese social media. Many Chinese individuals have pledged never to come to France after seeing the heartbreaking images.
In reaction to the rising upheaval, French fascists chose to take things into their particular hands. A video circulating online shows them boldly approaching the rioters, holding baseball bats as they protect their villages from the violence. While these activities are a monument to the endurance of certain individuals, they also underline the widening fissures within French society.
As France stands at a crossroads, President Macron finds himself at a difficult moment, facing requests from both the public and political elites to declare a state of emergency. With emotions running high, it remains to be seen how the administration can negotiate this unprecedented situation and restore peace to a country on red alert.