French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau ordered the police to proceed “with maximum hardness” if the announced anti -government protests for next week were accompanied by riots or violence. This was stated on Friday by AFP, writes TASR.
People in France have been exposed to a viral campaign for several weeks that encourages them to nationwide “paralysis of the country” on Wednesday, September 10. It will be two days after the parliamentary vote on the trust of Prime Minister Francois Bayrou.
The dissatisfaction of the population in France is growing for a stale situation in politics, high living costs and crime. If the Bayrou government – as expected – will lose the vote on confidence on Monday, it will be another blow to President Emmanuel Macron – among other things, because Bayra has been his sixth prime minister since 2017, AFP added.
Residents want a word in decision -making
Some French planning participation in the protests said they are frustrated from government policies – including a proposal to abolish two public holidays – and want to have a greater impact on decision -making.
“Taxes for the rich are never voted while we are asked to tighten our belts,” said 35-year-old Chloe Souske of Monterfil in the northwest of the country. According to Benjamin Balla (41) from the suburbs of Paris – Argenteuil – the gap between the political elite and the inhabitants, “the elites work for billionaires” opened.
The planned protests are supported by extreme left -wing groups and some fields. The organizers report not only demonstrations, but also manifestations of civil disobedience, blocking railway stations or oil refineries.
The protests are unpredictable
The intelligence services have warned that, given the decentralized nature of these actions, the scope and consequences of protests are difficult to predict, so the security forces are prepared for various scenarios.
Retailleau sent a circular prefect on Thursday, ordering a full mobilization of the police. He stressed that it would not be tolerated damage to public or major buildings and encouraged to protect schools and universities.
In addition to the protests announced on September 10, trade unionists are planning their protests against the “horror budget” on 18 September.
