France commemorated its national holiday, Bastille Day, with a splendid parade in Paris, accompanied by whizzing warplanes.

However, this year’s celebrations took place under the watchful eye of over 100,000 police officers deployed across the country to prevent any recurrence of unrest in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

French President Emmanuel Macron was booed by members of the public during the annual Bastille Day military parade in Paris https://t.co/7CcXm3JZs8 pic.twitter.com/l1UEvrlsIW

— Reuters (@Reuters) July 14, 2023

The festivities mark the beginning of the French Revolution on July 14, 1789, but they come in the aftermath of the nation’s most severe riots in nearly two decades. The riots erupted following the fatal police shooting of a teenager with North African heritage, highlighting deep-seated anger over inequality and racial discrimination.

Fighter jets and military helicopters soared over the location in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, where 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk was tragically killed last month. The aerial display continued towards the Arc de Triomphe, where VIP guests watched the parade. The streets were unusually calm, with local residents gathering at Nanterre’s Nelson Mandela Square to witness the flyby.

Bastille Day in Paris. pic.twitter.com/KPCf9vfuOJ

— Linda Mathieu (@LindaMathieu) July 14, 2023

India took center stage as the guest of honor at this year’s Bastille Day parade. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined French President Emmanuel Macron in observing the event. Approximately 240 Indian troops led the march down the Champs-Elysees, followed by thousands of French forces. Additionally, French-made Indian warplanes participated in the aerial demonstration.

Bastille Day often features international partners, and the selection of India aligns with France’s objectives to enhance cooperation on combating climate change, military sales, and countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Notably absent from the extensive agenda, however, were discussions on human rights, despite concerns raised by European lawmakers, rights groups, and others.

The echoes of Russia’s war in Ukraine, which played a central role in last year’s Bastille Day celebrations, were also felt this year. The event showcased vehicles, including the Caesar anti-missile batteries that France is providing to Ukraine, while Ukrainian officials were invited to join Macron in the VIP seating area.

On the eve of the national day, Macron posthumously honored Arman Soldin, a French journalist from Agence France-Presse who was killed earlier this year in Ukraine, with the Legion of Honor award.