After historic Paris demonstration, what is next for Europe?

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

PARIS, France (eTN) – Following the killing last week of 17 people – including workers, talented writers, and cartoonists of the weekly satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo; police forces; and hostages i

PARIS, France (eTN) – Following the killing last week of 17 people – including workers, talented writers, and cartoonists of the weekly satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo; police forces; and hostages in a Jewish supermarket – the contrary effect of what Islamism jihadists had in mind happened: they brought to the streets of French cities, and also in many cities around the world, huge demonstrations against acts of terrorism. Some 3.7 million of people in France โ€“ 1.5 million in Paris alone – reaffirmed with dignity, restraint, and sorrow their commitment for freedom, democracy, and their fight for the values of an open multi-cultural society. โ€œIt is a fight to defend the idea of what European values of humanism have been built over centuries,โ€ said Patrice Pelloux, one of the few survivors of Charlie Hebdo newspaper, on a French radio station.

Now Europe and France must capitalize on this movement to redefine their own society model. But in parallel, there is a clear message to be highlighted: Europe will not be able to live anymore the same way. Within its own boundaries, they are groups of fanatics animated only by the hatred of the other, just because they are or they think differently. This means that the danger of seeing similar acts in Europe is not over. In fact, experts from intelligence services and security forces estimate that small groups of jihadists or fanatics will still continue to operate in a diffused way. This means that safety for European citizens and, of course, visitors will be crucial for the years to come until the threat is eradicated. But will sleeper cells of terror groups in European countries ever be dismantled?

For now, Paris and the entire region are under the highest level of the France โ€œVigipirateโ€ security plan, which reinforces safety measures such as controls in public buildings, including transports, and department stores, while all outside activities for schools have been temporarily suspended. For travelers to France, this translates into additional security measures and controls at airports and longer checking procedures, as well as difficulties to park in the vicinity of well-frequented public areas. The day of the Charlie Hebdo killings was also, coincidentally, the first day of winter sales. The fear following the killings chased away customers from department stores, as local radio and television stations reported. Some Asian tourists explained to French media their fears of going out in public areas.

Europe will indeed have to come with a strong message not only towards its citizens but also toward the world community. It will have to assert and guaranty again its strongest commitment to protect all citizens staying on its territory and explain that constraining measures are necessary for the safety of everyone. It will also have to continue showing its tolerance towards others. Sundayโ€™s demonstration reaffirmed France and Europeโ€™s commitment for a multi-cultural, multi-colored society. However, political forces are likely to play again with feelings of fear among local populations – a sad but easy way to win votes and support, which could cost Europe the worldwide empathy it just received following last weekโ€™s tragedy.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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