Paris sous les bombes: France is having its George Floyd moment

France has been rocked by a wave of protests since June 27, 2023, following the shooting of a 17-year-old youth, Nahel Merzouk, by police near Paris. It feels like Paris, the capital, is sous les bombes (under bomb attacks), a reference to old school French rap group NTM's album of the same name. The protests have been largely peaceful, but there have been some instances of violence, including the burning of cars and buildings.

The protests have been sparked by anger over police violence and discrimination against people of color in France. Nahel Merzouk's death has also tapped into a wider sense of frustration among young people in France, especially those with immigration background.

Demonstrators running as French police officers use tear gas in Paris on Sunday, July 2, 2023. Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

The protests have been met with a mixed response from the French government. President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the violence, but he has also said that he understands the protesters' anger. The government has also announced a number of measures to address police violence, including the creation of a new independent body to investigate allegations of police misconduct.

The protests are still ongoing as of this weekend, and it is unclear how they will be resolved. However, they have already had a significant impact on French society, and they are likely to continue to be a source of tension in the months to come.

Additional details about the protests as I know them from reading French media:

* The protests have been largely concentrated in the suburbs of Paris and other major cities.

* The protesters have been calling for an end to police violence, an independent investigation into Nahel Merzouk's death, and more opportunities for young people in France.

* The French government has deployed thousands of police officers to try to contain the protests.

* The protests have caused millions of euros in damage to property.

* There have been some reports of injuries to protesters and police officers.

The protests in France are a reminder of the deep-seated problems of police violence and discrimination in the country, mirroring the United States 2020 George Floyd 's protests. It remains to be seen how the government will address these issues, but the protests have already had a significant impact on French society.