French protesters marched across the country yesterday in the latest nationwide demonstrations driven by anger over living costs and strained public services, as authorities deployed in force to prevent a repeat of the unrest that erupted two weeks ago and tensions began to surface in some cities.
The protests, which fall on Halloween, come after riots and looting on October 17 caught security forces off guard, leaving a trail of damage to shops, public buildings and businesses across the country.
France’s top administrative court yesterday upheld a ban on a march between the landmark Paris squares of Nation and Bastille, rejecting a challenge from unions. Authorities instead authorised a route along boulevards on the eastern edge of the capital, away from central shopping districts.
The marches brought together students – whose mobilisation began in September – trade unions and a smaller contingent of Yellow Vest protesters, united by complaints over the cost of living, high fuel prices, rising inflation and President Emmanuel Macron’s government.
“The French economy is doing badly no matter what happens, because today we’re being run by a group of incompetents who juggle billions, while families are struggling with a few cents,” protester Jerome Rodriguez said during the Paris march. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon, whose ratings have risen in recent weeks ahead of next April’s presidential election, marched at the head of the Paris demonstration.
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