France is commemorating its national holiday, Bastille Day, with a spectacular parade in Paris and heightened security measures across the country. More than 100,000 police officers have been deployed to prevent any potential outbreaks of unrest, particularly in underprivileged neighborhoods.
This year’s celebrations come in the aftermath of France’s most significant riots in almost two decades, triggered by the fatal police shooting of a teenager with North African roots. The incident exposed deep-seated anger over inequality and racial discrimination.
India has been chosen as the guest of honor for the Bastille Day parade, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi joining French President Emmanuel Macron in the VIP tribune. The parade features around 240 Indian troops leading the march down the Champs-Elysees, followed by French forces, while French-made Indian warplanes participate in the traditional flyby.
While France often highlights international partnerships on Bastille Day, concerns have been raised about the absence of discussions on human rights in this year’s agenda. European lawmakers, rights groups, and others have called for attention to be given to these issues.
Bastille Day celebrations take place throughout France, symbolizing the nation’s ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. However, many residents in marginalized housing projects, with roots tracing back to former French colonies, feel that these principles do not resonate with their daily lives. They face challenges such as limited opportunities and racial discrimination.
The recent killing of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk, captured on video, during a traffic stop in the Paris suburb of Nanterre, brought these issues to the forefront. The incident sparked days of clashes with police, arson, and looting in various cities and towns across France.
In anticipation of potential violence during Bastille Day, when unrest tends to escalate, France has mobilized 130,000 police officers. Fireworks have been banned in several towns, including Nanterre, due to their misuse in targeting law enforcement during the recent riots.
As of Thursday night, the Interior Ministry reported 97 arrests related to urban violence and 218 cars set ablaze across the country, slightly lower figures compared to the previous year. The heightened security measures aim to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration of Bastille Day while addressing the underlying concerns of social inequality and discrimination faced by certain communities in France.