France braces for mass protests, public sector strike; government vows to prevent repeat of October riots
Macron convened a defense and security meeting on Wednesday as a movement that began with student anger over school conditions grew into a broader challenge to his government
Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to march through French cities, and public sector workers are set to strike on Thursday, in a fresh test for President Emmanuel Macron after weeks of unrest that have rattled his government and dominated the agenda five months before a presidential election. Trade unions, including the left-wing CGT, called the mobilization, backed by student groups, over living costs, public services and education.
Earlier demonstrations over those issues triggered the worst civil unrest France has seen in years. Rioting and looting on October 17 caught security forces off guard, damaging shops and public buildings across the country and fueling criticism of Macron’s handling of the crisis.
“We are extremely vigilant because it is out of the question to relive October 17,” government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon told a press conference after Wednesday’s cabinet meeting.
Around 70,000 police are to be deployed nationwide, according to reports. The domestic intelligence service expects between 500,000 and 700,000 people to join demonstrations outside Paris.
The Education Ministry said 17.5% of public primary school teachers were expected to strike, while unions warned of likely disruptions to rail and public transport. Students are among those expected to march, citing conditions in schools and growing uncertainty over their future.
Suggested articles
An official close to Macron said the aim is calm ahead of the vote. “The goal in the coming weeks is to get the river that overflowed back into its bed and to launch the presidential election in the calmest possible conditions,” the official said, pointing to fewer high schools blockaded this week than earlier in the crisis.
The government has defended police tactics while saying any abuses would be investigated.
The political atmosphere remains tense, with candidates maneuvering and opposition parties seeking to capitalize on frustration over living standards and government policy. A previous power sector strike in mid-September reduced electricity supply and cut delivery capacity at Dunkirk LNG, France’s biggest liquefied natural gas terminal.