France Braces for Widespread Protests Amidst Arrests and Warnings
Around 40 individuals detained as security forces prepare for demonstrations, with officials cautioning on the use of intermediate weapons.
Carla Rooney
Around 40 people have been arrested ahead of widespread demonstrations across France.
Protesters have sustained serious injuries. A 15-year-old lost a hand; a 16-year-old was blinded. A police tear gas grenade shattered a 14-year-old's jaw and many of his teeth.
Lola, a protester, stated, "We are fighting because the cost of living is too harsh, because the price of fuel is too high, because high school pupils are being violently attacked and hurt all over the country just for trying to protest and ask for more teachers and decent learning conditions."
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned security forces could use intermediate weapons, including stun grenades, if violence erupts during Saturday's demonstrations. Arrests primarily targeted individuals carrying weapons or prohibited protective gear.
Widespread tension gripped the streets of Paris on Saturday. Police requested the closure of many Métro stations. Social media calls aimed to revive the gilets jaunes (yellow vests) movement, with the CGT, a major labor union, backing the actions.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that hundreds of protest actions and over 80 marches were expected nationwide. Tens of thousands prepared to participate in protests across France, with a major demonstration scheduled in Paris for 14:00 local time.
Thousands of arrests, hundreds of injuries, and schools set on fire have marked recent weeks. Police made more than 6,600 arrests nationwide as of last week.
President Emmanuel Macron called for "calm" and "respect for people and property" amidst the unrest. Macron attended a Celine Dion concert while protests and riots occurred across France.
Calm and respect for people and property.
High public debt pushes French borrowing costs to 20-year highs. In neighboring Belgium, some schools closed in Liege after violence and arrests.