France Slaps EU Commissioner Over Police Riot Remarks
France has slammed EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders for making what it calls “little remarks” about the recent riots sparked by a police killing during a traffic stop. The French government insists the EU has no business sticking its nose in law enforcement matters.
EU Commissioner Compares France to Belgium
On Wednesday, Reynders called out the “very high level of violence” in France in recent years. He pointed to the yellow vest protests, pension reform demonstrations, and the latest chaos following the police shooting of teenager Nahel M. Reynders suggested Belgium handles protests better by focusing on prevention rather than clashing directly with protesters.
“That really needs to be looked at,” Reynders said, hinting France should rethink its policing tactics.
France Fires Back: EU Overstepping Boundaries
France’s Minister for European Affairs, Laurence Boone, didn’t hold back. Speaking on French radio, she labelled Reynders’ comments as beyond the EU’s remit, stressing that public order is France’s exclusive domain.
“Dramatic events like the police shooting on June 27 are not unique to France,” Boone said. “Instead of little remarks, we need efforts to restore calm.”
Boone also highlighted that an EU rule of law report presented by Reynders praised France for increasing judiciary staff, and reminded everyone that law enforcement and fundamental rights fall outside the report’s scope.
France Stands Firm on Sovereignty
The French government’s strong response sends a clear message: France will not tolerate external interference in how it handles security and public order. It insists resolving domestic challenges must remain its own job — no hand-holding from Brussels.
