France Prepares for Large Protests Amid Public Sector Strikes
Protesters and authorities brace for large demonstrations ahead of presidential elections.
The Brief
- Public workers are set to strike, leading to widespread protests.
- French authorities plan to deploy 70,000 police nationwide.
- Estimates suggest up to 700,000 people may participate in Paris.
French authorities are preparing for large-scale protests as public workers plan to strike, marking another challenge for President Emmanuel Macron.
The demonstrations, organized by trade unions and student groups, are expected to focus on issues such as education, public services, and living costs.
French domestic intelligence service forecasts between 500,000 and 700,000 participants in Paris, with nationwide police deployment reaching 70,000 officers.
Government officials have expressed vigilance, warning against repeating the violence seen on October 17, which led to widespread damage and criticism of Macron's leadership.
The Education Ministry reported that 17.5 per cent of public primary school teachers are expected to strike, while unions warned of disruptions to rail and public transport.
Student representatives expressed concerns about police violence, with some participants citing fear as a reason for not joining the protests.
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