Recent news about the atmosphere of jihadism in France and terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas in Israel have highlighted security concerns in the country. The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, stressed during a press conference that the threat of jihadism was clear and present in France. He also called for the systematic expulsion of foreigners considered dangerous by the intelligence services.
This declaration comes the day after the assassination of a teacher in Arras by a former student on file S. This terrorist act caused a shock wave throughout France, particularly in the world of education. Teachers are increasingly concerned about the import of conflict to the Middle East and the risks to their own security.
According to Gérald Darmanin, there is an obvious link between the situation in the Middle East and the acts of terrorism perpetrated in France. He stressed that since the Hamas attack in Israel, there have been 189 anti-Semitic acts on French territory, giving rise to 65 arrests, including 23 foreigners. He therefore insisted on the need for a firm line towards radicalized foreigners and advocated their systematic expulsion.
The Minister of the Interior also wanted to reassure the population by declaring that there had been no failures by the intelligence services and that all necessary measures were taken to ensure the security of the country. France has gone into emergency attack alert, the highest level of the Vigipirate system, and a deployment of 7,000 soldiers is planned by Monday.
This alarming situation led to the evacuation of some public places, such as the Louvre Museum and the Palace of Versailles, as a precautionary measure. However, it was confirmed that there was no real threat in these locations.
The Arras attack, like the assassination of Samuel Paty three years ago, highlights the need to strengthen security in educational establishments. A minute’s silence will be observed in schools across the country to honor the victims of school attacks. Teachers will be able to meet before classes resume to prepare for this day.
In conclusion, the atmosphere of jihadism in France is a major concern. The recent terrorist attacks and the link with the situation in the Middle East have caused great concern in the country. The authorities are mobilized to ensure the safety of all, including the systematic expulsion of foreigners considered dangerous. Vigilance and firmness are required to face this growing threat.