France will consider imposing a state of emergency to prevent a recurrence of the worst civil unrest that the country has seen in years, news agency Reuters reported on Sunday.
On Saturday, the city of Paris saw the worst riot since 1968.
The nationwide protests against fuel taxes and living costs, known as the ‘yellow vest’ movement after fluorescent jackets kept in all vehicles in France turned violent. Masked, black-clad groups, carrying metal bars and axes, ran amok across central Paris, torching cars and buildings, looting shops and fighting police.
“We have to think about the measures that can be taken so that these incidents don’t happen again,” government spokeswoman Benjamin Griveaux said.
Les scènes auxquelles nous avons assisté ce matin sont intolérables.
La volonté affichée et assumée de s’attaquer à nos forces de l’ordre, aux symboles de notre pays, sont une insulte à la République.
Soutien et confiance aux effectifs mobilisés. pic.twitter.com/CCx4pqJM7K— Christophe Castaner (@CCastaner) December 1, 2018
At least 288 people have been arrested and some 100 others injured. The movement that started on November 17 out of nowhere, gained moment at a rapid speed because of social media.
According to BBC, the police fired tear gas, stun grenades and water cannon on the Champs-Elysées, while masked protesters hurled projectiles and set buildings on fire.
According to the reports, President Emmanuel Macron will hold an emergency meeting with the prime minister and interior minister.
When asked about imposing a state of emergency, Griveaux said it would be among the options considered on Sunday. “It is out of the question that each weekend becomes a meeting or ritual for violence, ” Reuters reported.