On Saturday, 24 October, the police used tear gas against protesters gathered in Lyon. In Orléans, demonstrations are taking place against the congress of the far-right National Rally (RN) party, whilst a Paris court has dismissed a complaint by trade unions regarding a change to the demonstration route.
In Lyon, police used tear gas to disperse crowds. Demonstrations are banned in several areas of the city.
The Paris Administrative Court has dismissed a complaint by trade unions regarding the new demonstration route set by the police. Demonstrators are to march from Porte d’Italie to Porte de Vincennes between 14:00 and 19:00 local time.
Before law enforcement officers were deployed, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned of possible provocations. According to him, “certain groups may attempt to cause incidents by attacking shops, government buildings and law enforcement officers”.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu also ordered the convening of an inter-ministerial crisis unit. Its meeting is scheduled for 11.00.
Meanwhile, in Orléans, a procession of protesters against the RN congress was gathering. Olivier Faure, First Secretary of the Socialist Party, joined the demonstration. At the head of the procession, a banner was unfurled bearing the slogan: ‘All together against fascism’.
Sophie Bine, General Secretary of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), who also took part in the demonstration, stated that “the far right poses a threat to workers, democracy and the Republic”. She described the RN as a “racist, anti-Semitic and sexist party”.
Against the backdrop of the expected protests, the mayor of Orléans announced his intention to impose a curfew on children under the age of 15. The restrictions are to be in force from 9.00 pm to 6.00 am on the night of Sunday and Monday across the entire city.
In connection with the new wave of protests taking place on Saturday, 24 October, 135 people were arrested in France. The police also seized various types of weapons, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported.
Around 70,000 police officers have been deployed across the country to maintain public order. The authorities fear a repeat of the looting and acts of vandalism that occurred during last Saturday’s unrest.
The protests against the decline in living standards, which took place on 17 October, were among the largest in French history. Riots and clashes with the police broke out in various cities across the country.
Almost a thousand law enforcement officers were injured. There were also casualties amongst the protesters.
According to official estimates, at least 3,000 shops were damaged or looted.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin reported that nearly 150 people had been sent to prison, whilst more than 800 had appeared in court.