PARIS: French police are preparing to strengthen security measures ahead of nationwide protests on Saturday, as demonstrators call for a revival of the Yellow Vest movement that sparked widespread unrest in 2019.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told broadcaster France 2 on Friday that security forces would use stun grenades and rubber bullets against individuals who cause disorder. Authorities are concerned that the demonstrations could lead to roadblocks, riots and violence, German news agency dpa reported.
Between 70,000 and 140,000 people are expected to take part in the protests, according to online calls for demonstrations. Participants plan to voice their grievances over the high cost of living, fuel prices, low wages and challenges facing the agricultural sector and firefighters.
Protesters are also calling for the return of the Yellow Vest movement, which previously organised mass demonstrations against rising living costs and President Emmanuel Macron’s reform policies.
School and university students, who have led large-scale protests over problems in the education system, are also planning to join demonstrations across the country.
Several left-wing politicians have expressed support for the protests and are expected to participate in the marches.
However, Macron’s centrist government has accused left-wing groups, particularly the La France Insoumise (LFI) party, of escalating tensions by encouraging demonstrations and attempting to create disorder ahead of next year’s presidential election.
Left-wing groups have countered that the government should not be surprised by growing student protests if it continues to ignore the concerns of young people.
LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon is expected to contest the 2027 presidential election. Opinion polls suggest he could reach the final round of voting.
-AWANI
