The situation in France seems to be calming down after weeks of violent protests and clashes with the police. According to the latest reports, the police have arrested 16 people overnight in connection with the riots, bringing the total number of arrests to over 300 since the unrest began.

The riots were sparked by a controversial bill that would have restricted the filming and sharing of images of police officers, which many saw as an attack on civil liberties and press freedom. The bill was eventually withdrawn by the government, but not before it triggered a wave of anger and frustration among the public, especially among young people and minorities who feel discriminated and oppressed by the police.

The protests turned violent as some groups of rioters set fire to cars, smashed windows, looted shops and threw stones and Molotov cocktails at the police. The police responded with tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets and batons, injuring hundreds of protesters and journalists. Some human rights groups have accused the police of using excessive force and violating the rights of peaceful demonstrators.

The French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned the violence and called for dialogue and respect for the rule of law. He has also promised to reform the police and improve their training, accountability and relations with the communities they serve. He has also announced a series of measures to address the social and economic grievances of the protesters, such as increasing the minimum wage, reducing taxes and creating more jobs.

The riots have exposed the deep divisions and inequalities in French society, as well as the distrust and resentment between the police and the public. It remains to be seen whether the government’s actions will be enough to restore peace and stability in the country, or whether more protests and violence will erupt in the future.