France is facing massive student and Yellow Vest protests for the fourth consecutive week. Student demonstrations continue in protest against the cost of living and the state of the country's schools, with no signs of a decrease.
Gatherings in Paris
On Saturday afternoon, officials announced that students and labor unions would participate in a permitted march in central Paris to protest against the high cost of living and in support of youth. Meanwhile, the Yellow Vests (Gilets Jaunes) are calling for "civil disobedience" at a banned event in Place de la Concorde near Parliament and the Élysée Palace.
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Heavy Police Presence and Unrest
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced that 70,000 police and security forces would be deployed across the country this weekend, adding that officials are "prepared" to deal with "rioters and looters." This heavy police presence follows weeks of intense and sometimes violent protests, particularly on October 17, which saw the worst riots in France in recent years, causing over one billion euros in damage to private and public property.
On Thursday, police arrested more than 600 people during a nationwide strike that included blockades and other protest actions. However, officials reported that most protests have been conducted peacefully.
Nevertheless, violent clashes with police continue, and Emmanuel Macron, the outgoing president, and his government are grappling with public discontent over rising living costs.
Although Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is set to meet with labor unions and employees on Monday, organizers say that only a response to their demands can quell the anger.
According to a statement released on Friday by an inter-organizational coalition, "the only thing that can end the protests is a response to the demands raised in recent weeks by workers, employees, youth, and retirees." The Macron government has announced plans to increase the minimum wage and also boost funding for schools and teaching staff. However, they are facing financial difficulties, as the country's debt, currently at 119 percent of GDP, remains out of control.
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