Elisabeth Borne promises “massive means to protect the French during [the] two sensitive days” of the July 14 weekend, during which the sale of firework mortars will be banned, she said in an interview. au Parisien put online on Saturday evening. The Prime Minister wishes to prevent further violence after that which followed the death of Nahel M., killed on Tuesday June 27 by a police officer in Nanterre.
In addition, a decree published on Sunday will prohibit the “sale”, “carrying” and “transportation of firework mortars”, announces Ms. Borne, specifying that “only professionals, who will organize fireworks in the communes , will be able to buy it”.
The Prime Minister also affirms that the emergency bill to help rebuild buildings or businesses destroyed during the riots will be presented “at the next Council of Ministers”, in order to have it voted on before the suspension of the work of the Assembly and Senate this summer. The government will also, for individuals whose cars burned during the riots, “activate the guarantee fund for victims to allow them to be compensated”.
Possible “regulation” of social networks
On the subject of possible sanctions for the families of young perpetrators of violence, the head of government warns that “if the existing legal framework is not sufficient, then, if necessary, we will change the law”. In this case, the government is considering a specific fine for minors, on the model of the fixed fine for adults when they commit such acts. “It’s fast and efficient,” according to Ms. Borne.
On the other hand, the Prime Minister assures that the government “is obviously not going to deprive the French of the Internet because there is violence”. The government plans to ‘suspend features’, such as geolocation, on social networks in the event of further riots, but does not intend to carry out a ‘widespread blackout’ of the platforms, had said the executive following presidential remarks that had caused controversy.
According to comments reported by the press and confirmed by the Elysée Palace, Emmanuel Macron had suggested putting himself “perhaps in a position to regulate [social networks] or cut them”.
