Despite President Emmanuel Macron's restrictions on rallies after a week of violent disturbances, businesses, museums, and cultural events throughout France are scheduled to close this weekend due to concerns of further unrest.
The Yellow Vest movement, which began as an anti-establishment force in 2018, has declared preparations for a march through downtown Paris, while UNEF, France's largest student union, has called for protests on Saturday.“Macron is trampling upon the freedom to protest in our country,” the union said in a statement, accusing the president of undermining republican values.
France is still reeling from the worst violence in years last weekend, when looting and riots erupted on the fringes of nationwide protests. Overnight curfews in parts of Paris and other cities have since passed without major incidents.
Macron blamed ultra-left groups for the unrest and said on Thursday that unauthorised protests would be banned in the coming days. Demonstrations organised by trade unions would be permitted but could be diverted to alternative routes, he said.
Marylise Leon, general secretary of the CFDT, one of France’s largest trade unions, criticised the restrictions, arguing that concrete government proposals would be more effective in calming public anger.
“There is a lot of anger and a demand to be considered and to be listened to,” she told broadcaster TF1, questioning the president’s authority to decide which protests were legitimate.
Workers, students and other groups are protesting against budget cuts and demanding higher wages to cope with rising living costs. The government has acknowledged their concerns but insists that spending must be controlled to contain borrowing costs.
Authorities have banned all protests scheduled for Saturday in Marseille and Lyon, France’s second- and third-largest cities.
Despite the restrictions and the justice minister’s announcement that 2,700 people had been arrested since Saturday, businesses and cultural institutions are preparing for possible fresh unrest.
The Marseille Chamber of Commerce has urged businesses to close on Saturday. Organisers of Art Basel Paris said the art fair would remain shut throughout the weekend, while the Louvre and Fondation Louis Vuitton will close on Saturday.
The central French city of Orleans is also bracing for unrest, with the far-right National Rally scheduled to hold a party meeting as thousands are expected to demonstrate against it.
The Interior Ministry is due to announce its security arrangements later on Friday. Macron is also expected to hold a defence and security meeting and meet student representatives.
Concerns about declining public services, pressure on household budgets, and rising energy costs have all contributed to worker and younger voter dissatisfaction. But there isn't much money available for the government to resolve their complaints. Additionally, investor anxiety has grown. - Agencies
