Young Swede in Paris describes
Photo: AP/Privat

Young Swede in Paris describes surreal impact of violent protests on daily life

Swedish native Isolde Gyllestad describes how the recent violent protests in France have changed everyday life. “It’s surreal, with large groups of police. It’s like a war zone,” she tells TT.

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The 19-year-old, who lives in a suburb just outside Paris, says she is not "directly afraid" but avoids places where demonstrations are usually held.

"My French classmates usually tell me when to stay away," she says.

They are used to it. Protests are part of everyday life in France - and recently they have become more violent. But Isolde Gyllestad says her friends are not as scared as the tourists.

Her classmates just say: "Now there's going to be another demonstration," she says.

The school where she studies dance is also in a suburb, so she doesn't have to go into the city center if she doesn't want to. Last weekend, Parisians were advised to avoid the center.

Many stations were closed and it was difficult to get around the city at all.

Isolde Gyllestad gets a lot of information about what's happening in Paris via social media. Warnings are posted about where there is a high risk of unrest, as well as videos showing shops being looted and destroyed.

"It's easy to forget that it's a few isolated groups that are causing damage. The serious protesters don't get as much media coverage," she says.

She is surprised at how far some people are prepared to go.

It is sad that some people are exploiting the students' struggle for a better school environment to resort to violence.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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