After the serious acts of urban violence that accompanied last week’s protests, France is heading into another weekend of expected demonstrations.
President Emmanuel Macron aims to regain control of the situation and restore order. In a politically tense climate, only protests organized by trade unions will apparently be allowed over the weekend.
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Macron is expected to convene the Defense Council, which will be attended by ministers and senior officials, and to meet with representatives of the security forces. After the talks, the French president is likely to announce additional measures, beyond the partial traffic restrictions already in place.
For the first time, representatives of high school students will also take part in the meeting with Macron. Their protests over conditions in educational institutions have expanded and turned into a broader expression of discontent with the government and the rising cost of living.
Students are demanding investment to improve school infrastructure and changes to the university admissions system. However, some of their representatives doubt that the meeting with the president will produce concrete results.
Authorities are trying to distinguish between the legitimate demands of protesters and the looting, arson, and destruction recorded during last Saturday’s demonstrations. A significant strengthening of security has been planned for the weekend, with 20 percent more personnel on the ground.
Demonstrations have been banned in Marseille and Lyon. In Paris, the march will be allowed only along a limited route, from Place de la Bastille to Place de la Nation. Several important cultural institutions in the capital, including the Louvre Museum, will be closed on Saturday, while the Art Basel art fair will close earlier.
Human Rights Watch has expressed concern over reports that children have been seriously injured by crowd-control weapons. Eva Cosse, the organization’s Europe researcher, said police must ensure that protests take place peacefully while also protecting citizens from violence.
