France has banned the sale of fireworks ahead of Bastille Day due to the nation’s recent violent riots.
Emmanuel Macron issued a decree on Sunday prohibiting the sale, possession and transport of all fireworks for the celebrations, which will take place on July 14.
The decision comes after a recent wave of riots across the country, sparked by the killing of 17-year-old Nahel M. by police last month.
“In order to prevent the risk of serious disturbances to public order during the 14 July festivities, the sale, carrying, transport and use of pyrotechnic articles and fireworks will be prohibited on national territory until 15 July inclusively,” said a government decree.
Riots erupted across France this past month
Reuters
The ban will last until 15 July, once the celebrations are over.
It does not extend to official firework displays.
Bastille Day is France’s national day and it celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution, which began in 1789.
Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne said that a “massive security presence would be deployed in order to keep the peace and to protect the French during these two sensitive days.”
Cars have been targeted by protesters during the riots
Reuters
During the recent riots, fireworks have been used by protestors against police.
Thousands of people across different cities in France have been filmed clashing with police and setting fire to buildings.
The unrest seemed to slow down on its sixth night, but public buildings, cars and bins were targeted by protestors overnight and into the next morning.
The riots are Macron’s worst crisis since the ‘Yellow Vest’ protests in 2018.
Demonstrators took to the streets in high-visibility jackets to protest against fuel prices.
In April, Macron gave himself 100 days to bring unity and recollection to a divided France.
This comes after rolling strikes and protests, some of them violent, over the raising of the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Macron postponed his state visit to Germany because of the crisis.