Paris, July 5, (dpa/GNA) – Only 16 arrests were made overnight in France, the Interior Ministry reported on Wednesday, apparently confirming that the peak of the recent unrest and street violence had passed.
The killing of a 17-year-old during a police traffic stop last week, unleashed days of rioting in cities across the country, and hundreds of arrests per night.
The newspaper Le Parisien reported on Wednesday that 78 cars and eight buildings were set on fire, citing ministry information. It said the 16 arrests were the lowest number since the riots started on June 27.
No police stations were damaged, and no officers injured, according to the report.
The government has said that its first priority in Paris is to provide rapid aid to businesses and communities, hit by the violence.
President Emmanuel Macron announced faster aid for cities with burned-out schools, and damage to public infrastructure. Summer sales were extended by a week to allow retailers to make up for lost sales during the riots.
Concerns had been raised, after isolated cancellations that the riots would have a negative impact on tourism in France. Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Twitter that “we will do everything to ensure that [France] remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world by naturally guaranteeing the safety of all tourists on French soil.”
Macron said on Tuesday that the peak of the riots had passed, although caution was still needed in the days and weeks ahead.
GNA