Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin warned France faces a “very high” and “constant” terrorist threat risk on the back of President Emmanuel Macron’s firm stance against "Islamist separatism”.
During a tribute ceremony for history teacher Samuel Paty, who was given the country’s highest award, the Legion of Honour, Macron said France would not “renounce cartoons”, adding that Paty "was killed because Islamists want our future".
"La France est la cible d'une menace terroriste élevée", a déclaré le directeur général de la police nationale dans une note aux services centraux. https://t.co/doKVwCLzwk
— RTL France (@RTLFrance) October 27, 2020
The comments fired up anti-French sentiment across the Arab world, with protests breaking out and Turkey leading the charge on a boycott on French products.
France’s national police warned of online threats from extremists against Christians and moderate French Muslims, including Imams who have publicly supported Macron.
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A telegram from the Interior Ministry warned of possible knife attacks, or cars ramming into crowds, saying the list of potential targets was “numerous”.
Fewer people may be on the streets this weekend if Macron announces a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, as expected.
Earlier this week EU leaders rallied around Macron after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the French President of leading a “hate campaign" against Muslims.
