France Protests: France witnessed a fresh round of protests on Saturday amid heavy security arrangements. Tens of thousands of people resumed their demonstration by marching peacefully through the French capital, Paris, as they continued to push their demands, including the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron. They denounced the high cost of living and accused Macron of cutting public services while failing to tackle rising inequality.
March Held In Presence Of 70,000 Police Personnel
The protesters took to the streets of France amid heavy security arrangements, with 70,000 police officers deployed. The new march was restricted to the city's southeastern edge, away from the centre. The authorities took several measures to ensure no repetition of recent violent and looting incidents. Last week, the European nation witnessed a series of violent protests that left shops looted and cars burned.
Over 100 Protesters Detained
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said at least 135 people have been detained in connection with today’s protests sweeping the country. The French police fired tear gas to stop protesters in several cities from advancing into public centres. Nunez said helicopters, armoured vehicles and water cannons were placed to ensure law and order. In central Paris, a few dozen gendarmes were stationed beneath the Arc de Triomphe and along the nearby avenues.
ALSO READ: Rising Costs, Mounting Debt, Anger Against Macron: Why France Is Witnessing Nationwide Protests
Macron Government Under Fire Over Losing Control On Protesters
The Macron government has been under fire as scenes of looting, burned-out cars and attacks on public buildings left the impression that the authorities had lost control. Pictures of violent incidents drew severe criticism from rivals in the country and outside the nation.
Trump Attacks Macron, Saying Paris Would Become A "Muslim City"
US President Donald Trump claimed that ongoing protests and riots in France are driven by Muslim migrants and Islam, asserting on Truth Social that "Islam [wants] to take over a once great Country!" and predicting that Paris would become a "Muslim city". However, Macron refuted Trump's remark, calling it a "stupid" claim.
What Is At The Core Of Weeks-Long Protests?
Initially, the agitation was started by the student and teacher organisations, demanding reforms in the education system. The movement began last month over staff shortages at one high school southeast of Paris. It now reaches well beyond the classroom. Students want more teachers, better school buildings and more university places. Some also called for a reform of the university admissions system, seen by many as unfair. Unions are demanding higher wages and pensions to help people meet the cost of living. They are also seeking help with everyday costs: an extra 200 euros a month in student grants and a rent freeze in public student housing.
What Has The Government Said?
The ongoing protests have dented the image of Macron, a centrist, who has entered the crisis in the final stretches of his term, with his popularity at its lowest since he took office in 2017. Macron said foreign leaders "including those" on the other side of the Atlantic were seeking to exploit France's tense social climate for political gain following a weekend of street violence and looting. He asserted that there have been AI-generated images depicting scenes that never actually happened in France. He acknowledged that students have "legitimate" grievances regarding poor school conditions, but he warned they are being "exploited" by opposition political forces.
(With Agencies Inputs)
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