France has firmly dismissed what it calls “little remarks” made by an EU commissioner regarding the recent riots triggered by the police killing of a teenager during a traffic stop. The French government argues that the European Union has no authority to interfere in matters concerning law enforcement.
EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders, in a statement on Wednesday, highlighted the “very high level of violence” witnessed in France in recent years, including the yellow vest protests, demonstrations against pension reform, and the riots following the teenager’s killing by a police officer. Reynders drew a comparison between the French police’s approach and that of neighbouring Belgium, suggesting that Belgium relies more on preventive measures rather than direct confrontation.
