Paris: Amid ongoing nationwide protests in France against rising inflation, poor condition of schools and declining public services, the government has decided to increase the curfew and tighten security arrangements. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced a massive police deployment ahead of new demonstrations planned for October 24.
According to a CBS News report, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said that by Monday evening, more than 2,500 people had been detained by the police. During recent protests, incidents of violence, looting of shops and damage to public property have been reported.
Curfew, police deployment increased in many cities
A nighttime curfew has been imposed around Place de la Republique and Les Halles shopping district in the French capital Paris. Similar restrictions have been imposed in other cities including Lyon.
According to reports, despite no major incidents being reported in Paris and Lyon on Monday night, authorities decided to step up security measures. Earlier, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had admitted that the administration had misjudged the level of unrest and had lost control of the situation in some cities on Saturday.
President Macron said – difference between peaceful demonstration and violence is important
In his address on Sunday, French President Emmanuel Macron distinguished between peaceful protesters and those involved in violence and looting. He said the government would listen to the concerns of protesters, but those responsible for the violence would face legal action.
During the demonstrations, incidents of setting fire to the historic Town Hall of Limoges city and looting and vandalism of several business establishments have also been reported.
Movement started due to poor condition of schools
Protests in France began in mid-September. High school students and teachers in the Paris suburbs raised concerns about overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated school buildings and a shortage of teachers.
Gradually the participation of trade unions and workers associated with the Yellow Vest movement also increased in this movement. The scope of the protests then expanded to protest against the rising cost of living and declining public services.
Government announced recruitment of teachers
Amid demands related to the education system, the French government has announced a plan to deploy more than 3,000 temporary teachers in needy schools. Apart from this, several hundred additional appointments have also been approved.
However, it remains difficult for the government to implement comprehensive reforms due to the country's fiscal challenges and political differences.
France's increasing debt, financial challenge before the government
According to CBS News, by the end of June, France's public debt had reached approximately 3.6 trillion euros, which is about 119 percent of the country's annual economic output.
The government expects the fiscal deficit this year to be 5.4 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). The government has set a target of reducing it to 5 percent in 2027.
At the same time, President Macron's allies do not have a majority in the Parliament. This has made it challenging to garner support for major policy decisions and economic reforms.
The French government has made preparations to increase security ahead of the proposed demonstrations on October 24. In the coming days, it will be important to see how the government moves forward on the demands related to economic pressure, education system and public services.