Macron suggests blocking social media during chaotic situations following French riots.

French President Emmanuel Macron Calls for Social Media Shutdown Amidst Riots

In the wake of violent riots that have engulfed France, President Emmanuel Macron has suggested that the government should consider restricting young people‘s access to social media. Macron’s proposal comes as the country grapples with widespread unrest following the shooting of a 17-year-old Muslim by a police officer. The President believes that social media platforms like TikTok have been used to organize and incite the mobs.

“We need to think about how young people use social networks… when things get out of hand, we may have to regulate them or cut them off,” Macron stated during a meeting with mayors. He emphasized the importance of having a rational debate about this issue.

However, Macron’s suggestion has faced criticism from politicians across the political spectrum. Many argue that such a move would make France resemble authoritarian regimes like China, Iran, and North Korea. Olivier Marleix, a member of the center-Right Les Républicains, expressed his disapproval, stating, “Cutting social media? Like China, Iran, North Korea? Even if it’s a provocation to distract attention, it’s in very bad taste.” Olivier Faure, the leader of the Socialist Party, echoed this sentiment, tweeting, “The country of the rights of man and citizens cannot align itself with those great democracies of China, Russia, and Iran.”

Riots and Destruction Across France

Over the weekend, riots erupted in various cities across France, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. In Paris, a dozen buses were burned, and store windows were smashed along the Rue de Rivoli. The violence spread to other cities like Roubaix, Marseille, Reims, and Lyon. A shopping mall in the Paris suburb of Drancy and the country’s largest library in Marseille were set ablaze. Even the headquarters of the Paris 2024 Olympics in Seine-Saint-Denis fell victim to the rioters’ flames.

To combat the unrest, France deployed 45,000 police officers, but their efforts were unable to prevent more than 800 fires from being set throughout the night on Saturday. The rioting has taken a toll on French businesses, with losses exceeding billion since the violence began.

The incident that sparked the riots involved the shooting of teenager Nahel Merzouk. According to Nanterre prosecutor Pascal Prache, police attempted to stop Merzouk’s vehicle, but he evaded them and ran a red light. When the car was eventually caught in traffic, officers instructed Merzouk to exit the vehicle. As the car attempted to flee, an officer fired a shot, hitting the teenager.

Leif Le Mahieu contributed to this report.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases