Buzz
In France, citizens burned nearly 874 cars nationwide on New Year's Eve, as part of a longstanding 'tradition'. This number is lower compared to previous years. In 2019, a total of 1,316 cars were set on fire.
Many attribute this decline to restrictions related to pandemic measures and a large presence of police on the streets this year. Specifically, France deployed 95,000 police officers to maintain security on New Year's Eve, as well as restricted public gatherings. However, the number of people temporarily detained for questioning this year is 441, higher than the 376 detained in 2019. In Strasbourg, located in northeastern France, 31 individuals were taken in for questioning after vehicles and trash bins were set ablaze.
Among those detained, 6 teenagers violated curfew hours. The rest are linked to arson allegations. Authorities in Strasbourg also confirmed that 4 police officers sustained minor injuries while on duty.
The tradition of burning cars in France around the start of the new year emerged in the 1990s in Strasbourg. Youth in low-income neighborhoods often set cars ablaze during the 1990s, and this act spread to other areas as a sign of protest.During protests against housing projects across France in 2005, police reported that nearly 9000 cars were set on fire in less than 3 weeks. Car burning stems from various reasons, whether it's the rebellious attitude of teenagers or to conceal other crimes.According to (1), (2)
