France braces for mass protests and nationwide strikes

Up to 700,000 demonstrators expected outside Paris as unions call strikes and authorities mobilise policeHundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to march through French cities and public workers to strike on Thursday, in a fresh test for President Emmanuel Macron after weeks of unrest that have rattled his government and dominated the agenda five months ahead of a presidential election. The mobilisation, called by trade unions including the left-wing CGT and backed by student groups, comes after demonstrations over living costs, public services and education triggered the worst civil unrest France has seen in years. Police mobilised amid fears of renewed violence Authorities have sought to lower tensions after riots and looting on October 17 caught security forces off guard, leaving damaged shops and public buildings across the country and fuelling criticism of Macron’s handling of the crisis. “We are extremely vigilant because it is out of the question to relive October 17,” government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon told a press conference after Wednesday’s cabinet meeting. French authorities will deploy around 70,000 police nationwide, BFM TV reported. The domestic intelligence service expects between 500,000 and 700,000 people to join demonstrations outside Paris, it said. Schools and transport face disruption The Education Ministry said 17.5% of public primary school teachers were expected to strike, while unions warned of likely disruptions to rail and public transport services. Among those expected to join Thursday’s marches are students who say conditions in schools and growing uncertainty over their future remain major concerns. “We’re trying to keep mobilising as much as possible. Some people aren’t doing so because they’re afraid. A lot of people are afraid of police violence,” said Irma de Banville, a 19-year-old student in Paris. The French government has defended police tactics while saying any abuses would be investigated. Macron seeks to contain unrest before election Macron convened a defence and security meeting on Wednesday ahead of the protests, underlining how a movement that began with student anger over deteriorating school conditions and concerns about opportunities for young people has evolved into a broader challenge to his government. “The goal in the coming weeks is to get the river that overflowed back into its bed and to launch the presidential election in the calmest possible conditions,” an official close to Macron said, pointing to the lower number of high schools blockaded this week compared with earlier in the crisis. Nationwide protests last Saturday were generally peaceful, with some clashes on the fringes. Even so, the political atmosphere remains tense, with candidates manoeuvring ahead of the election and opposition parties seeking to capitalise on public frustration over living standards and government policy. Energy sector joins strike action French power unions are expected to join Thursday’s strike, state-owned utility EDF said. A previous power sector strike in mid-September reduced electricity supply in the country and cut delivery capacity at France’s biggest liquefied natural gas terminal, Dunkirk LNG.