French riot police deployed tear gas in several cities on Thursday as thousands of protesters took to the streets to demonstrate against the rising cost of living and the state of public services, BBC reported.
The demonstrations, which include a general strike called by trade unions to demand higher pay, come amid a period of significant civil unrest in France. In the southern city of Toulouse, a school was set on fire during the unrest. While unions expect as many as 800,000 people to participate in the marches, domestic intelligence services have estimated that between 500,000 and 700,000 people may join the demonstrations outside of Paris, according to BFM TV.
Authorities deploy 70,000 police officers to ensure security
Authorities have prepared for large-scale mobilization by deploying approximately 70,000 police officers across the country, BFM TV reported. The heightened security follows riots and looting on October 17 that caught security forces off guard and resulted in damage to shops and public buildings.
Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon stated during a Wednesday press conference that authorities are remaining “extremely vigilant” to avoid a repeat of the October 17 incidents. While the French government has defended the tactics used by police, officials have said any abuses of power will be investigated.
Irma de Banville, a 19-year-old student in Paris, told a source that while there is an effort to maintain mobilization, some individuals are hesitant to join due to fears of police violence.
Impact on public services and infrastructure
The strikes are expected to cause significant disruption to various sectors. The Education Ministry reported that 17.5% of public primary school teachers are expected to strike. Unions have also warned of potential disruptions to rail and public transport services.
The energy sector is also facing pressure. The state-owned utility EDF confirmed that power unions are expected to join the Thursday strikes. This follows a previous strike in mid-September that reduced the national electricity supply and impacted delivery capacity at the Dunkirk LNG terminal.
Political stakes for the Macron administration
President Emmanuel Macron convened a defense and security meeting on Wednesday to address the escalating crisis. The movement, which originated with student protests over deteriorating school conditions and future economic uncertainty, has expanded into a broader challenge to the government.
The unrest comes five months before a presidential election, creating a volatile political environment as opposition parties seek to capitalize on public frustration regarding living standards. An official close to Macron told a source that the government’s objective is to stabilize the situation and “launch the presidential election in the calmest possible conditions.”
