France is preparing for a third weekend of nationwide protests, deploying 70,000 police officers to prevent a recurrence of recent riots and looting. These demonstrations, initially sparked by concerns over the cost of living and the state of the education system, have drawn hundreds of thousands of participants.
Some protests have resulted in violence, with looting and vandalism reported on October 17. In response to planned demonstrations this weekend, businesses across France have boarded up their storefronts. Authorities have also imposed curfews and restricted access to certain public areas, particularly for unaccompanied minors.
The French interior minister has warned of a high risk of public disorder, stating that while demonstrations will be allowed, they will be restricted from city centers due to concerns about potential violence and property damage. Authorities are monitoring social media for calls to incite unrest, particularly for Halloween gatherings.
The protests, which began in late September with students expressing anger over school conditions and university admissions, have since broadened to include other groups. Despite government pledges on education and fuel costs, public discontent persists. Similar youth-led protests are also scheduled in over 30 German cities, with organizers expecting a large turnout to demand action on education, climate, and housing.
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Source: theguardian.com
