France’s government says it is increasing security and personnel for another weekend of expected protests, with France 24 reporting that high school students and the “Yellow Vest” movement are among those likely to demonstrate. The government says the measures are intended to mitigate violence and chaos.
The protests follow nationwide demonstrations over living costs and school conditions. France’s Interior Ministry estimated turnout at 550,000 for marches on Oct. 17, and authorities reported nearly 2,400 arrests nationwide after the protests. Le Monde reported that two École du Louvre students supported high school demonstrators and sought more funding for education and culture.
After violence at earlier protests, the prime minister directed prefects to impose curfews in selected areas, according to an earlier EconoTimes report. Online appeals have cited Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, but those dates do not confirm demonstrations will take place, as noted in an EconoTimes report on the calls.
