French Protest Groups Call New Saturday Rallies as Curfews Keep Cities Calm
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Oct 20
French Protest Groups Call New Saturday Rallies as Curfews Keep Cities Calm
3 articles · Updated · Reuters · Oct 20
Summary
French cities stayed calm overnight under targeted curfews, giving the government brief relief after last weekend's violence even as protest groups called fresh demonstrations for next Saturday.
123 detainees were awaiting trial and about 2,500 others remained in custody for questioning after rioting and looting exposed security gaps in Paris, Marseille and Lyon.
Student-led anger over falling school standards and dilapidated facilities has widened into broader protests over rising prices and unmet health, housing and welfare needs.
UNEF vowed to keep pressure on President Emmanuel Macron, while self-described yellow vest groups called scattered actions over fuel costs; major labour unions including the CGT did not join the new protest push.
The renewed mobilization lands in an already tense run-up to France's April-May presidential election, with far-right and far-left candidates leading the field.