French authorities are deploying 70,000 police officers to manage nationwide demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron’s administration. (Foto: Instagram)
The French government is deploying 70,000 police officers across the country to manage demonstrations scheduled for Thursday against the administration of President Emmanuel Macron. Authorities expect as many as 700,000 people to take part and are preparing for about 150 events nationwide.
The protests, called by labor unions including the left-wing CGT and backed by student groups, are taking place five months before the presidential election. CGT leader Sophie Binet urged people to join the demonstrations, telling broadcaster LCI, “We need to turn out in large numbers in the streets today.”
France’s Education Ministry said 17.5% of public elementary school teachers are expected to join a strike. Unions also warned that rail services and public transportation could be disrupted. The mobilization includes high school and university students, union members, and activists.
Protesters have raised concerns about the rising cost of living, social inequality, public services, and worsening conditions in schools. They have also called for better study conditions. After earlier confrontations and police responses, some participants have criticized restrictions on the right to protest and demanded stronger protections for civil liberties.
Demonstrations on Oct. 17 saw clashes with police, looting at businesses, and fires at public buildings. The following week’s protests were calmer. France’s Interior Ministry said 410,000 people took part in demonstrations across the country, including 110,000 in Paris. Authorities are concerned that violence, looting, and fires reported in recent weeks could recur.
In Paris, the Council of State, France’s highest administrative court, changed the route planned for the capital’s main demonstration because of security concerns. French law prohibits covering one’s face at protests when disturbances are occurring or there is reason to believe they may occur. The Interior Ministry also warned people not to carry weapons or objects that could be used as weapons, including items worn as part of costumes. Authorities are seeking to ease tensions after unrest and looting caught security forces off guard and damaged shops and public buildings around the country.
