National mobilizations: pressure continues despite reduced participation

This fourth “act” of the protest follows a previous day of mobilization that brought together between 575,000 and 1.6 million people, according to figures from the Ministry of the Interior and the CGT. The demands of high school students and students have joined the anger against the cost of living, expressed by informal collectives such as the “yellow vests.” Unions are also demanding wage increases and a strengthening of public services.

In Paris, an inter-union march was authorized from the Place de la République to the Place de la Nation. The “yellow vests” had planned to head towards the Place de la Concorde, despite the ban by the prefecture. Emna, a 16-year-old high school student, told AFP: “I am here to denounce police violence and the lack of responses to our demands.”

According to sources close to the Minister of the Interior, the situation was judged “globally calm and controlled,” with 18 arrests, compared to 27 the previous week. Vincent Gautheron, of the CGT, affirmed that the mobilization must continue despite the start of negotiations scheduled for Monday at Matignon with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. Sabrine Kharbach, of the Student Union, emphasized that this day allowed to “maintain the pressure.”

Law enforcement was numerous at the Place de la Concorde to prevent a gathering of “yellow vests” banned by the prefecture. Benjamin Ball and Azelma Sigaux, spokespeople for the coordination, were arrested. A rally planned near the Eiffel Tower did not take place.

In Clermont-Ferrand, approximately 600 people gathered in a good-natured atmosphere, away from the city center. In Lyon, the police used tear gas to disperse a group occupying the public road.

The mobilization aims to maintain momentum before a social conference with unions and employers, scheduled for Monday morning at Matignon, and meetings with high school and student organizations in the afternoon. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu assured that this conference “will make it possible to present concrete answers to the expectations of the French.”

The Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, announced the maintenance of a significant security device, with 70,000 police officers and gendarmes mobilized throughout the territory, in order to avoid new riots and looting like those of October 17. The eight main national unions have already indicated that they will take a position as early as Monday evening. A day of strike and demonstration is planned for Tuesday by an inter-union of education.