Susanne Raab, who has been on a working visit to Paris since Wednesday, announced on Thursday morning that she had to break off her visit. The integration minister states that official Paris is “in crisis mode” due to riots, as a result of which “all our appointments have now been cancelled”.
Raab said: “If we have neighborhoods in the middle of Europe where it is no longer possible to visit them, it is a very shocking situation.” The minister left on Wednesday for the two-day visit to Paris. At the start of her journey it was already clear that the riots in the Parisian suburbs would make her visit surprisingly topical.
Another 150 arrests on Thursday night
Protests have been going on for days after a police officer shot and killed a 17-year-old. Also in the night of Thursday there were again 150 arrests. “A night of unbearable violence against symbols of the republic: town halls, schools and police stations were set on fire or attacked,” Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Thursday. In Paris and numerous other French cities, rioters had set fire to vehicles and rubbish bins.
It is 100 percent understandable if the tragic death of a young person stirs emotions, Raab said in reference to the spark for the protests. At the same time, however, it is shocking to see the social explosive power in the banlieues.
The security situation did not allow visits to suburbs
In fact, Raab should have visited one of these crime-ridden suburbs of Paris with French Secretary of State Sonia Backes. However, the security situation did not allow this. Official delegations could not visit the districts. Meetings with local prefects were also not possible because they were busy with the crisis. According to the minister, all of Paris was in crisis mode.
For Raab, this is an example of how hazards arise from isolated environments. There is also an explicit call for violence against state symbols.
She therefore wants to prevent such developments in Austria. This also requires mayors and community representatives to intervene where parallel societies may emerge. That is why she also approached the federal states and cities.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
