Q: The French president declared a state of emergency after the terrorist attacks in Paris on Nov. 13. Cable news stated that this was the first state of emergency since 1958. What caused the state of emergency that year?
—William McKee Jr., Flowery Branch
A: France has declared a state of emergency six times since passing the law in 1955, but not always inside France's borders or for the entire country.
A state of emergency was declared three times — in 1955, in 1958 and in 1961 — during France’s conflict with Algeria, a colony, Time reported.
Charles de Gaulle regained power during an attempted coup in 1958. Another attempted coup brought about a state of emergency in 1961.
A state of emergency was declared in the French territory of New Caledonia in 1984, during an independence movement.
Another state of emergency was declared on Nov. 8, 2005, when riots broke out in the Paris suburbs and spread across the country.
Cars and buildings were burned after the death of two teens, who were electrocuted when authorities said they hid in a transformer after running from police.
The Guardian, a British newspaper, wrote that the 2005 state of emergency was “declared in several areas, allowing curfews in some parts, but the full powers of the emergency measures were not put into practice.”
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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