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Nationwide strikes and protests are set to take place in France on Thursday, with hundreds of thousands expected to take to the streets, increasing pressure on President Emmanuel Macron. Authorities are taking measures to prevent a recurrence of the violence seen in October, AnewZ reports.
Several organizations, including the left-wing CGT trade union, have called for nationwide demonstrations, with student groups also backing the protests. They come amid weeks of discontent over the rising cost of living and problems in public services and education. The grievances have contributed to some of the most serious unrest in France in recent years.
The government is seeking to ease tensions after the disorder and looting on October 17. Security forces were caught unprepared at the time, and shops and public buildings were damaged in several parts of the country. Macron’s response was criticized.
Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said after Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting: “A repeat of what happened on October 17 is absolutely unacceptable, so we are extremely vigilant.”
70,000 police to be on duty during protests
About 70,000 police officers are expected to be deployed across the country, BFM TV reported. France’s domestic intelligence service estimates that between 500,000 and 700,000 people could attend protests outside Paris.
The Education Ministry said 17.5% of teachers at state primary schools could join the strike. Trade unions have warned of possible disruption to rail services and public transport.
Students are also expected to join the protests, citing worsening conditions in schools and uncertainty about the future. Irma de Banville, a 19-year-old student living in Paris, said: “We are trying to mobilize as many people as possible. Some people don’t do it because they are afraid. Many are afraid of police violence.”
The French government has defended police conduct during previous demonstrations, but said any allegations of unlawful behavior would be investigated. Macron held a defense and security meeting on Wednesday as authorities prepared for new nationwide demonstrations.
Student protests have grown into a broader movement
Protests initially launched by students over deteriorating conditions in schools and concerns about future opportunities have since grown into a broader movement against the government.
An official close to Macron said: “The goal in the coming weeks is to bring the overflowing river back into its banks and start the presidential election campaign in the calmest conditions possible.” The official also said the number of high schools under siege this week had fallen compared with earlier stages of the unrest.
Nationwide demonstrations held last Saturday were largely peaceful, although some clashes took place on the sidelines.
Political tensions remain high, five months before the presidential election. As candidates prepare for the vote, opposition parties are seeking to capitalize on discontent over living standards and government policies.
Workers in France’s energy sector will also join Thursday’s strike, state-owned electricity company EDF said. The move has raised concerns about possible disruptions to energy supplies.
An earlier strike by energy sector workers in mid-September reduced electricity supplies in France and limited supply capacity at Dunkirk LNG, the country’s largest liquefied natural gas terminal.
