PARIS, Nov 5 – France is preparing for another wave of protests and strikes as hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take to the streets on Thursday.
The demonstrations are putting fresh pressure on President Emmanuel Macron’s government. They come just months before the country’s next presidential election.
Trade unions, including the CGT, have called for nationwide action. Student groups are also supporting the protests.
Their main concerns include rising living costs, public services and problems in the education system.
France Steps Up Security Ahead of Protests
The government is taking extra steps to prevent a repeat of the violence seen on October 17.
That unrest caught security forces off guard. Rioters and looters damaged shops and public buildings in several parts of the country.
The incidents also increased criticism of Macron’s handling of the situation.
French authorities plan to deploy around 70,000 police officers nationwide. Meanwhile, the domestic intelligence service expects between 500,000 and 700,000 people to join demonstrations outside Paris.
Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said authorities were taking the situation seriously.
She stressed that the country must avoid a repeat of the October violence.
Schools and Public Transport May Face Disruptions
The planned strike is expected to affect schools and transport services.
France’s Education Ministry said around 17.5% of public primary school teachers were expected to join the action.
Trade unions also warned that rail and public transport services could face disruptions.
Students are among those taking part in the demonstrations. They say poor school conditions and uncertainty about their future remain major concerns.
Some students have also expressed fear of police violence.
The government, however, has defended police operations. It has also said that any alleged misconduct will be investigated.
Macron Holds Security Meeting
Macron held a defence and security meeting on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s demonstrations.
The protests first gained momentum among students concerned about school conditions and limited opportunities for young people.
However, the movement has since expanded. It now includes wider public anger over living costs and government policies.
An official close to Macron said the government wanted to restore calm before the presidential election campaign.
The official also pointed to a drop in the number of high schools blockaded this week.
Power Workers Join Nationwide Strike
France’s power-sector unions are also expected to take part in Thursday’s strike.
State-owned electricity company EDF confirmed the planned industrial action.
A previous strike in the power sector in mid-September reduced electricity supplies. It also affected delivery capacity at Dunkirk LNG, France’s largest liquefied natural gas terminal.
Although protests last Saturday were mostly peaceful, some clashes still occurred.
Political tensions remain high as opposition parties seek to draw support from public frustration.
For Macron’s government, Thursday’s demonstrations will be another major test as France prepares for its next presidential election.
Source : AWANI | Rewritten By Minutesmy
