PNN – The French Prime Minister has announced the large-scale deployment of security forces ahead of renewed “Yellow Vest” protests in the country.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network citing the newspaper Tages-Anzeiger, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu intends to respond to the protests announced by the “Yellow Vest” movement for Saturday by deploying a large number of security forces.
Addressing the National Assembly, he stated that following the serious unrest of recent days, the police operation would be “extensive.” Lecornu did not specify the number of officers to be deployed.
Laurent Nuñez, France’s Interior Minister, announced that soldiers from the anti-terrorism operation Sentinelle—who have been patrolling French cities since the ISIS terrorist attacks in Paris and the northern suburb of Saint-Denis—are to be deployed to protect sensitive sites. Nuñez stated that this measure will free up more police officers and gendarmes to manage demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the Paris police reported that restrictions in the vicinity of the Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district ensured a quiet night, adding that these measures will remain in place “for as long as necessary.”
Lyon has also extended a curfew in the city center, effective from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Marseille has likewise imposed a nighttime curfew for unaccompanied minors.
Associations and student groups—drawing inspiration from the “Yellow Vests” (Gilets Jaunes) movement, whose protests over fuel prices shook France in 2018 and 2019—have called for fresh demonstrations this Saturday.
Meanwhile, the French labor union CGT has called for a general strike on Wednesday, November 5. The union stated that a meeting with French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu was “unsuccessful.” In the meantime, Lecornu has announced that he will meet today, Thursday, with President Emmanuel Macron and intelligence representatives; certain government ministers are also expected to attend.
Macron stated that the goal is to establish a “precise account” of events in order to bring clarity to what transpired last weekend.
Nationwide demonstrations in France against the high cost of living turned violent last weekend.
Further protests are planned for Saturday.
The French government acknowledges that it lost control of the demonstrations over the past few days. It has now imposed bans on gatherings and protests in parts of central Paris—specifically between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM on Thursday. Since Monday, a nighttime curfew has been in effect in Paris and several other major cities.
Sophie Binet, leader of the CGT, stated: There is a high cost of living, stagnant wages, precarious living conditions for many, and a lack of prospects for young people.
Saturday’s protests are being led by the newly formed “Yellow Vests” movement. Its members include climate activists, students, and representatives from labor unions. Violent protests by young people have also spread to neighboring Italy.