The people of France yesterday mounted an unforgettable demonstration of unity and resilience in response to the murderous violence in their capital. After last week’s savage attacks in Paris, the sea of humanity which flowed on to the streets yesteray was a moving show of defiance and resistance. France’s message to itself, and to the world, is unmistakable. It will not surrender the basic values, freedom of expression and tolerance, that are foundations of the republic.
This was not just a historic day for the French. No less remarkable was the attendance of 50 government leaders from across the world. All wanted to express their solidarity with the French people at a dreadful moment in the Fifth Republic’s history. But their presence was also a recognition that the violence which afflicted Paris last week is a worldwide phenomenon. It has hit other cities – London, Brussels, Boston, Ottawa and Sydney – and will doubtless afflict more.
After a week of tragedy, all European leaders will now have to start focusing on the tough challenges ahead. The most immediate tasks are for President François Hollande and the mainstream French political elite. They must do all they can to maintain – and harness – the display of unity that was on show yesteray and not allow it to slide