French President Emmanuel Macron said Oct. 31 would remain a high-risk day for protests, as unions called for nationwide mobilization and his government prepared to address grievances behind the unrest.
Speaking in Marseille on Monday, Macron said authorities had not anticipated the early mobilization of far-left groups or the arrival of people involved in criminal activity during the Oct. 17 protests. He said police had not been deployed in sufficient numbers. Macron defended maintaining public order without emergency powers and said officials would continue protecting residents and urban areas.
Macron had previously urged prefects to reject some protest applications ahead of new rallies.
He said Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu would meet high school representatives later Monday. The government planned to announce measures after the meeting and begin initiatives soon, Macron said. He added that it would address the movement’s demands with trade unions and employers’ organizations.
Unions called for nationwide mobilization on Oct. 31. Macron also said Nov. 5 would bring a national mobilization involving all trade unions.