France is preparing for new mass protests: 70,000 security forces will be deployed on the streets
France will see a new wave of mass protests against the rising cost of living on Saturday, November 7. To ensure public order, authorities will mobilize 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country. Traffic restrictions and closures of some metro stations are expected in Paris.
This was announced by French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez at a press conference in Paris on November 6, BFMTV reports.
According to the minister, authorities decided to maintain the extensive security measures that were in place during previous protests. 110 mobile police and gendarmerie units, as well as territorial law enforcement services, will be involved in maintaining order.
In addition, 25 Centaure armored vehicles, 15 water cannons, helicopters and drones have been prepared for public order duties. The special equipment will be distributed among regions based on potential risks.
Nuñez warned that the upcoming actions differ from the November 5 protests. This time fewer official notifications were received from trade unions, and some demonstrations are being organized through social networks without clearly defined leaders.
According to the minister, this increases the risk of clashes and unauthorized marches. Authorities have also recorded calls to block highways and attack public buildings.
As a result, prefects in several French cities have imposed bans on demonstrations in certain central areas. Law enforcement will focus on protecting shops, government institutions and transport infrastructure.
In Paris, an approved trade union march is set to begin at 2 p.m. on November 7 at Place de la République and end at Place de la Nation. At the same time, representatives of the “yellow vests” movement plan to gather at Place de la Concorde, despite the authorities’ ban.
According to TF1 Info, due to the demonstrations, a number of metro stations in the capital will be temporarily closed, including Charles de Gaulle–Étoile, Concorde, Châtelet and Les Halles. Traffic restrictions are also planned on parts of lines 6 and 11.
The new action will be a continuation of the protest movement that began in France on October 17. Its participants oppose the high cost of living and demand an increase in the purchasing power of the population.
The previous nationwide strike took place on November 5. According to the French Ministry of the Interior, 575,000 people took part, including 65,000 in Paris. In total, authorities registered 193 protest actions.
The CGT union estimated the number of participants much higher, at around 1.6 million.
Amid ongoing public discontent, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has scheduled a social conference for Monday, November 9, with the participation of trade union and employer representatives.
The meeting participants are expected to discuss measures to increase citizens' purchasing power and possible solutions to reduce social tension.
However, youth organizations and the “yellow vests” movement intend to continue protests even before the government's negotiations with social partners begin.
