Paris riots leave Icelanders stunned, resident says

An Icelandic woman who has lived in Paris for more than 50 years says Icelanders she has met are stunned by the riots that swept France last weekend, mbl.is reports.

Laufey Helgadóttir, an art historian and tour guide who lives in the city’s 19th district, said her neighbourhood was largely spared, though she feels the effects of the unrest. “You naturally feel it wherever you are in the city, just in different ways,” she told mbl.is.

About half a million people took part in demonstrations across France against the high cost of living. The protests were followed by serious riots, in what was described as some of the worst violence to shake the country in years.

Although the demonstrations peaked in central Paris, around Republic Square and the Bastille, Helgadóttir said the unrest began in the suburbs. She said the protests started on September 17, when high school teachers went on strike over a lack of funding and staff, among other issues. Students joined them the following day.

Helgadóttir stressed that those taking part in marches should not be confused with the rioters and vandals, known in France as “casseurs,” or “breakers.” She said they often come from the suburbs and are frequently young boys, including children as young as 12 or 13. She added that the groups were becoming more organised through social media.

She said the rioters also take advantage of other large gatherings, including football matches, to break things and steal.

Organisers have announced another round of demonstrations across France next Saturday. The Yellow Vests, who led a prolonged protest movement in 2018, have also called for an “Act II” this weekend.

Helgadóttir said there was widespread talk of increased security and police presence, and that the army might also be called in. France’s interior minister, Laurent Nunez, has said police lost control of the situation last weekend. Helgadóttir said broader demonstrations were expected on Saturday, with more participation from the Yellow Vests and trade unions, focusing on the cost of living, wages and pensions.