Paris, Jan 2 (NationPress) During the New Year's Eve festivities, over 1,100 vehicles were ignited and more than 500 individuals were detained throughout France, according to the nation's Interior Ministry.

Following the Interior Minister's decisive directives, mandating swift action and mobility, law enforcement promptly responded to incidents of violence or vandalism, as stated by the ministry.

"Consequently, 505 individuals were apprehended (with 420 in 2024) and 403 were taken into custody (with 310 in 2024). Additionally, a considerable number of collective defense measures were implemented, showcasing the systematic response of internal security forces: 1,262," the statement indicated.

"In contrast, there was a rise in the number of vehicles set ablaze (the primary source and spread): 1,173 vehicles burned, compared to 984 last year," it added.

Millions of French citizens gathered to usher in the year 2026. To foster a celebration filled with joy and safety, the ministry emphasized that it had established adequate security measures nationwide, including the deployment of prefects and internal security forces under the Interior Minister’s authority, ensuring the successful conduct of the festivities and the safety of all attendees.

In Paris, more than a million people congregated on the Champs-Elysees to witness the fireworks and ring in the New Year. As in previous years, other areas of the capital—like Trocadero and Champ de Mars—were also heavily populated. Across many city centers in France, large public gatherings occurred peacefully.

The ministry further reported that regional prefects noted a less turbulent night in neighborhoods compared to the previous year, with reduced urban violence. Particularly, there were fewer assaults on law enforcement than last year.

"In this context, the prefect of the western defense zone remarked that urban areas which experienced significant disturbances last year recorded virtually none this time, such as Brest, Evreux, Orleans, Tours, etc. Moreover, the prefect of the northern zone noted that the responsiveness of internal security forces allowed them to swiftly suppress any aggressive actions against security personnel, particularly in Lille, Amiens, and Calais. However, more challenging situations were encountered in Strasbourg's Meinau, Koenigschoffen, and Neuhof districts, necessitating a significant law enforcement presence, as well as in Mulhouse's Bourtwiller, Drouot, and Coteaux neighborhoods," it stated.

The updated number of mortars confiscated by police and gendarmerie reached 96,000 by Wednesday evening, to prevent their illegal use during celebrations and/or as improvised weapons against law enforcement.

"This misuse has once again resulted in numerous serious injuries: severed fingers, hands, and facial wounds. For instance, the prefect of the Eastern region reported multiple injuries. In the Bas-Rhin department, there were 9 victims aged between 18 and 44; in the Moselle department, 5 injured (aged 13 to 46), including one child; and finally, in the Haut-Rhin department, 8 injured, including two children aged 12 and 13," the statement concluded.