A new wave of mass protests against the high cost of living and government policies is expected in France on 14 November. The Ministry of the Interior plans to deploy around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes to maintain order during 50–60 demonstrations across the country. The largest demonstrations are expected in Paris, where between 30,000 and 60,000 people may take to the streets. The protests will mark the fifth consecutive Saturday of demonstrations, with youth organisations and opponents of the police’s new powers joining the protests this time.
- Between 50 and 60 demonstrations are expected in France on 14 November.
- Around 70,000 law enforcement officers will be deployed to maintain order.
- In Paris, between 30,000 and 60,000 protesters are expected to take part.
- Other social movements will join the protests against the high cost of living.
France is bracing for a fifth wave of protests against the high cost of living
French Minister of the Interior Laurent Núñez He said that the police would be operating under a heightened security plan, which has been in place during protests since the end of October.
Representatives of the «Yellow Vests» movement, youth organisations, students and schoolchildren have called for a new wave of demonstrations. The participants are protesting against the rising cost of living and the government’s socio-economic policies.
According to the French authorities, the preliminary wave of protests On 7 November, it attracted around 146,000 participants across the country, including 46,000 in Paris.
Up to 60,000 demonstrators are expected in Paris
The largest demonstration is planned for the French capital. The police prefecture has approved a joint route from Place de la République to Place de la Nation via Place de la Bastille.
The march is expected to begin at around 13:00 local time.
The demonstration against the high cost of living will be joined by participants from other protest movements, including those campaigning against police violence and activists working to protect children.
According to police intelligence estimates, the total number of participants in Paris could number between 30,000 and 60,000 people if the various protest marches join forces. This is a preliminary estimate, not the actual number of demonstrators.
The French authorities fear clashes with the police
Law enforcement agencies are particularly concerned about the protest against a draft bill which provides for a presumption of the lawful use of weapons by police officers and gendarmes under certain circumstances.
The bill has already been approved by the lower house of parliament and is due to be considered by the Senate on 19 November. Opponents of the initiative believe it could make it more difficult to hold law enforcement officers to account for the unlawful use of force. Supporters of the bill insist on the need to strengthen legal protection for police officers.
According to Le Monde, the French security services estimate that there may be between 300 and 600 radical activists amongst the protesters.
At the same time, the previous demonstration on 7 November passed without any serious incidents, despite similar warnings from the police.
