Ottawa declares state of emergency over COVID-19 protests

13 Sept 15:36 Key points summarised by AI

Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson declared a state of emergency to address the ongoing paralysis of the city's downtown by COVID-19 restriction protesters, seeking enhanced powers and support.
Residents expressed outrage over the continuous disruption, noise, and harassment caused by the "freedom truck convoy," which police struggled to manage.
U.S. interference in Canadian domestic affairs was condemned by a former ambassador, as U.S. politicians supported the convoy and GoFundMe halted funding due to unlawful activity.
Protesters vowed to continue their "occupation" until all COVID-19 mandates are lifted and Prime Minister Trudeau's government is removed, despite widespread public disapproval of their behavior.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Yesterday 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.