French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is due to meet trade union representatives on Wednesday to discuss security concerns after last week's riots, while pledging a “massive” police deployment ahead of fresh demonstrations planned for the weekend.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Lecornu will meet representatives from five trade union organisations on Wednesday morning to discuss “the methods and means of guaranteeing the fundamental freedom of assembly and demonstration”.
In a letter sent to the unions, the French government said certain groups were attempting to undermine legitimate protests through “unacceptable acts”.
Hundreds prosecuted after unrest
French Justice Minister figures show that nearly 150 people have been imprisoned, while more than 800 have been referred to the courts following last week's disturbances.
Further demonstrations have been scheduled for Saturday, with the rising cost of living at the centre of the protests.
The mobilisations are being organised by the Yellow Vests movement and secondary school students, while trade unions have called an additional day of demonstrations for 5 November.
School students have not been invited to Wednesday's meeting.
Travel warnings issued
Images of clashes, looted shops and public buildings engulfed in flames over the weekend prompted several countries, including the United States, China and Germany, to issue travel advisories for their citizens in France.
Facing criticism from lawmakers in parliament, Lecornu acknowledged that the security response had been inadequate and promised tougher measures ahead of the next round of demonstrations.
“The deployment of police forces next Saturday will be massive,” Lecornu said.
Curfews and restrictions
French authorities announced partial curfews on Monday in Paris and other cities.
Lecornu indicated that additional restrictions would be introduced where deemed necessary.
The overnight curfew in Paris covered:
- Place de la République in the eastern-central part of the capital.
- The Les Halles commercial district in central Paris.
Authorities also imposed bans on public gatherings on the Champs-Élysées, near several government buildings, and around railway stations.
Arrest linked to Limoges town hall fire
Security forces arrested a man believed to be linked to the far left as part of an investigation into the arson attack on a historic town hall in Limoges.
The destruction of the building has become one of the most prominent symbols of the unrest.
Parliamentary inquiry launched
Reflecting growing political pressure over the violence, lawmakers from across France's fragmented political spectrum agreed on Tuesday to launch a parliamentary inquiry.
The investigation will examine:
- Possible intelligence failures.
- Policing tactics.
- The government's preparedness ahead of the unrest.
The authorities have faced criticism from parties across the political spectrum.
Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen described the riots as a “wake-up call” that exposed a “deep crisis” of authority.
Recent opinion polls show Le Pen holding a substantial lead in first-round presidential voting intentions, while far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon is emerging as the strongest contender for the second round.
Lecornu blames far-left groups
Lecornu has accused radical far-left organisations of developing what he described as an “insurrectionary plan” that contributed to the riots.
Source: AFP
