More than 800,000 people amassed on Paris’ most famous avenue Sunday night to celebrate the new year and admire a giant fireworks display. Crowd control was a test run for the security protocol to be implemented for the Olympics games, which Paris hosts this year.
Braving long lines on the streets leading to the Champs-Elysées, as police systematically searched everyone entering the security perimetre, locals and tourists enjoyed a festive new year’s eve with DJs and performers, and a massive fireworks display at midnight above the Arc de triomphe, which was lit up with Olympic-themed images.
Performers played for the crowds at the monument, and at the base of the Eiffel tower, including Chimène Badi, Grand Corps Malade, Patrick Bruel, Gazo Vitaa et Slimane.
Some 90,000 police and 5,000 soldiers were on duty throughout the country, with 6,000 in the capital Sunday evening, deploying a similar security protocol to be used during the Olympic games this summer.
Vehicles were banned within the security perimeters, and the sale of alcohol was prohibited. Police confiscated alcohol and any objects considered as potential weapons.
With regular police patrols along the length of the avenue, Interior minister, Gérald Darmanin said there were few major incidents, with 211 people arrested throughout the evening.
Nearly 400 people were arrested across the country, and 745 vehicles were burnt - down ten percent compared to last year, according to the interior ministry.
