France’s Assembly Speaker Proposes Inquiry Into October 17 Riots and Police Response

France’s National Assembly president, Yaël Braun-Pivet, plans to propose a parliamentary inquiry into the violence and policing strategy surrounding the October 17 demonstrations.

The proposal emerged Sunday after protests against the high cost of living were accompanied by looting, fires and attacks on public buildings in several French cities.

Inquiry into violence and policing

The proposed inquiry would examine Saturday’s violence and the public-order arrangements prepared for the demonstrations.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 1,800 people had been arrested nationwide. More than 500 police officers, gendarmes and firefighters were injured, according to his provisional figures.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is due to chair a crisis meeting at 7 p.m. Sunday covering businesses, insurance and the judicial response.