Riots have broken out in Paris and other French cities after a teenage boy was shot dead by police during a traffic stop in Nanterre, mere four miles away from the French capital. Thousands of officers were deployed to control the ensuing riots and more than 100 people have been arrested as protesters clash with riot police. The protests had begun after the French president had proposed a bill to raise the country’s retirement age.
In a recent public address, French president, Emmanuel Macron, suggested that the ongoing riots are a result of video games and social media sites ‘intoxicating’ the youth. The remarks have enraged the French populace as well as the online gaming community, who believe that the French police and administration is much more at blame than the evergreen go-to scapegoat of violence in video games and social media.
Citing video games as a source for violent tendencies in youth has always been a staple in many a politician’s arsenal. People all over the internet are condemning the French president, asking him to take responsibility for the police oppression and poor handling of the riots.
Gamers react to Macron’s comments
Many people are outraged by these comments, which indicate that the mass riots happening all over France are to be blamed on young video gamers. Some have rightfully pointed out the origin of these protests, which started because a policeman shot a teenager, asking if that is also the fault of video games.
Many netizens are angry, looking at this as just an excuse for Macron’s poor disaster management skill. Many believe that blaming social media and video games is an old excuse that shouldn’t hold much weight in this day and age.
All in all, the internet has banded together to criticize the president’s attitude towards the riots. Despite his stated efforts to get things under control, riots in France are still ongoing, with Macron’s behavior being under constant scrutiny. Some are even asking for his removal from the office.
jesus christ they need to get rid of him ASAP
— JungTutis (@jaseTrase) June 30, 2023
Truly despicable…..
— TerryCherry (@TerryIsakova) June 30, 2023
Source – Ian Miles Cheong (via Twitter)