In an effort to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s violent unrest, the French government is imposing restrictions and strengthening security measures ahead of nationwide demonstrations scheduled for Saturday.
A total of 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed across France on Saturday as demonstrations take place nationwide, amid government warnings about numerous social media calls for violence, destruction and looting.
Following last weekend’s riots, President Emmanuel Macron has taken a more active role in addressing the unrest.
For the first time since the demonstrations began, Macron met with representatives of secondary school student organisations calling for the protests to continue. He is also expected to meet representatives of the security forces.
With six months remaining until the presidential election, in which the far right is described as a leading contender, Macron chaired a defence council meeting on Friday morning following a tense week marked by repeated restrictions on movement and demonstrations.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is travelling to Limoges, central France, where the town hall was set on fire during the unrest on 17 October.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned earlier of numerous calls circulating on social media for acts of destruction and looting during what organisers describe as the second wave of student and social demonstrations.
He announced that 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be mobilised, compared with 60,000 on 17 October.
Between 550,000 and 800,000 people reportedly participated in demonstrations across France on that date, according to estimates cited in the report.
Macron listens to students’ demands
On Friday afternoon, approximately 20 representatives of secondary school students met with Macron for three hours at the Élysée Palace.
The president reportedly wanted to hear their demands and concerns directly.
“We are not satisfied,” said Nathanaël Combari, chairman of the student union Renouveau, calling for the demonstrations to continue in order to maintain pressure on the government.
The student movement has been campaigning for approximately a month, focusing primarily on school infrastructure and the abolition of Parcoursup, France’s higher education admissions platform.
However, after leaving the presidential palace, Combari welcomed the fact that Macron had listened to the students and promised a complete overhaul of Parcoursup.
“We are waiting for our meeting with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on Monday,” he added.
Louis Letoublon, representing the student organisation Les Lycéens, expressed greater scepticism.
“We remain very cautious, given that Emmanuel Macron has pursued policies that have undermined public education services,” he said.
Alongside these discussions, Macron continues to emphasise stability and strict security measures.
The president is also expected to visit law enforcement personnel.
Demonstrations face strict restrictions
Macron announced earlier this week that only demonstrations organised by trade unions would be permitted on Saturday.
In Paris, authorities have authorised just one march.
The city administration has urged residents to exercise extreme caution, while the police chief has advised businesses to consider hiring private security companies where possible.
The inter-union committee organising the Paris demonstration condemned what it described as an “unacceptable” change to the march’s route imposed by police.
In Lyon, southeastern France, demonstrators will be prohibited from entering the city centre.
In Marseille, southern France, a demonstration has ultimately been authorised despite the prefecture having banned all gatherings on Thursday.
Another potential flashpoint this weekend is the National Rally (RN) conference, taking place over two days in Orléans.
Between 20,000 and 30,000 activists opposing the far-right party are expected to gather in the city on Saturday.
The route of their demonstration, originally planned to pass through the city centre, was modified on Friday.
Approximately 3,000 security personnel will be deployed in Orléans.
Museums close and football matches postponed
The demonstrations have also prompted the postponement of several French league football matches scheduled for this weekend.
Numerous museums and cultural venues, including the Paris Opera and the Palace of Versailles, will remain closed on Saturday as a precaution.
The Fondation Cartier, Fondation Louis Vuitton, the Bourse de Commerce and the National Library will also close.
On Thursday, the Ministry of Culture announced that several museums, including the Louvre, would remain closed.
Meanwhile, the Art Basel contemporary art exhibition at the Grand Palais concluded on Friday, two days earlier than originally scheduled.
The extensive security deployment and widespread closures reflect the French authorities’ concerns about renewed unrest as demonstrations continue across the country.
Source: CNN Greece
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