France prepares for day of protest a week after nationwide riots
France is on high alert ahead of a new day of nationwide protests on Saturday, a week after the country saw some of its worst unrest in decades.
TL;DR
- France is anticipating another day of nationwide protests on Saturday, following severe unrest the previous week.
- 70,000 police officers will be deployed across French cities to manage the expected demonstrations.
- Public buildings and businesses in France are boarding up windows in preparation for potential unrest.
- Major museums, including the Louvre, Orsay, and Picasso museums, will be closed on Saturday.
- Disillusionment is high among the French public due to rising living costs and anticipated government spending cuts.
- Protests originated with students demanding better school conditions but have broadened into wider anti-government sentiment, with the *gilets jaunes* movement also expected to participate.
- President Macron has met with student representatives and indicated commitments to improve high school education.
- Several cities have imposed or are considering bans on gatherings, while others have reversed earlier restrictions to allow approved demonstrations.
- Hundreds of people have been jailed for vandalism, arson, and looting following last week's riots.
- The political landscape is polarized, with upcoming elections potentially leading to a choice between far-right and radical-left candidates.