The situation has escalated beyond acceptable limits. In a strongly worded statement released this Sunday morning, the 8th arrondissement mayor’s office in Paris issued a plea for “zero gatherings” on the Champs-Élysées. This urgent request comes in response to the scenes of extreme violence that unfolded on Saturday night, subsequent to the Champions League final match against Arsenal.

“Saturday evening saw the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and its surrounding areas transform from a place of celebration into an arena of urban guerrilla warfare,” the mayor’s office declared. The statement continued, asserting that “since it is impossible to celebrate a match without descending into riot, the only sensible response is a new doctrine: zero gatherings.” This effectively means no more public assemblies on what is often referred to as the world’s most beautiful avenue.

“Public powerlessness” in the face of violence

Catherine Lécuyer, the LR mayor of the 8th arrondissement, presented a grim assessment, describing the night’s events as an “indictment of public powerlessness.” She detailed the extensive damage and aggression, including “multiple acts of violence against law enforcement, mortar fire directed at police officers and residences, burning trash bins and vehicles, damage to police cars, and numerous instances of looting.” The mayor further elaborated, stating, “We are no longer managing overflows; we are enduring them. The preventive strategy has reached its limits. The concept of ‘zero damage’ no longer holds against the aggression of organized groups who don’t even bother to disguise themselves as supporters.” The mayor’s office expressed grave concerns, fearing a “fatal tragedy,” and concluded with a firm stance: “Chaos cannot be channeled; it must be eradicated.” She emphasized the need for a paradigm shift from the state, advocating for a ban on high-risk gatherings to safeguard the Champs-Élysées, moving towards a policy of “zero gatherings.”

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez commented that the disturbances aligned with “the situation we had anticipated and thus prepared for.” A total of 283 individuals were apprehended across Paris and the greater Parisian region. To maintain order during the event, 8,000 police and gendarmerie officers had been deployed.

Despite the widespread unrest, the planned celebration for the returning players and the Champions League trophy remains scheduled. This event will take place at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, on the Champ-de-Mars, commencing at 4 PM this Sunday afternoon.