French cities calm again after curfew but new protests expected Saturday

Curfews have calmed France's major cities, but new protests are likely next Saturday

October 20

After unprecedented unrest broke out in France last weekend, the curfew imposed has restored calm to nighttime conditions in the country's major cities, but protest groups have announced that new demonstrations will be held again on October 25.

The French government is working hard to restore public confidence that it has learned lessons from security weaknesses that failed to protect city centers such as Paris, Marseille and Lyon from rioters and looters.

The targeted curfew has restored calm, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has said the order will be extended further if necessary.

The protests began with high school students striking over declining education standards in schools, and later merged with public discontent that the government has failed to address rising prices and health and social welfare needs, spreading nationwide.

Of those arrested last weekend, 123 are being held for court appearances, while about 2,500 are still detained for questioning, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said.

France's main student union, UNEF, and the "Yellow Vests" groups opposing high fuel prices have called for street protests to continue on October 25 to pressure the government.

However, major labor unions, including the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), which often leads large protests, have not yet urged participation in next Saturday's demonstrations.

Ref & Photo: The Reuters

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