PARIS - France is preparing for another round of nationwide demonstrations as deepening public discontent over the cost of living, pressure on public services and dissatisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron's government extends into a third straight week of unrest.
The Interior Ministry has placed 70,000 police officers on duty across the country for the planned protests, a security operation intended to deter the riots and looting that broke out two weeks earlier and damaged shops, public buildings and businesses. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez characterised the situation as carrying a "very high risk" of renewed unrest and pledged an "extremely firm response" to any acts of violence. Authorities reported that roughly 150 gatherings were scheduled nationwide.
Economic strain and damage
The demonstrations are compounding existing economic pressure. Official data released on Friday showed the French economy contracted in the third quarter. The Chamber of Commerce has estimated that losses to retailers already top 00 million, and when uninsured losses and lost revenue are included, broader damage estimates could be as much as double that figure.
Roots of the unrest
Tensions have been rising since late September, when the minority government began discussions on the 2027 budget. With public debt nearing 120% of economic output and borrowing costs on the rise, officials face mounting pressure to reduce spending. That fiscal constraint has limited options for additional funding to address protesters' grievances.
Students demonstrating about deteriorating school conditions, overcrowded classrooms and an admissions system perceived as unfair have been joined by trade unions and a revived Yellow Vest movement calling for action on the cost of living. Government assurances to reform education and ease fuel costs have so far failed to quell the unrest.
Restrictions on demonstrations and legal measures
Authorities have also curtailed demonstrations in central Paris. France's top administrative court sustained a ban on a planned march between Place de la R e9publique and Place de la Bastille, directing demonstrators to routes along the capital's eastern fringe.
In parallel, the government is advancing legislation that would allow rioters to be held liable for up to 0,000 in damages. Rights groups have criticised the proposal, warning it raises concerns about potential effects on peaceful protest.
Political implications
The protests have also had political reverberations. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has gained momentum in opinion polls ahead of the April presidential election, while potential centrist alternatives to President Macron remain divided.
The situation presents a multifaceted challenge for French authorities: balancing public order and the right to demonstrate, managing mounting economic fallout from unrest and addressing grievances amid tight fiscal constraints.