Planned demonstration route in Lyon

The planned demonstration in Lyon on November 5 is expected to start at the Manufacture des tabacs in the 3rd arrondissement at 10:30 am and end at Place Bellecour in the 2nd arrondissement, according to reports.

Prefectural validation and concerns

The route has been "a priori" validated by the Rhône prefecture, as stated by Maud Millier, general secretary of the CGT of Rhône, who noted that the declaration for the demonstration was submitted to the prefecture. However, the authorization of the right to demonstrate remains in question after the Rhône prefecture has issued multiple decrees banning protest gatherings on public roads since incidents on October 17 in Presqu'île.

Inter-union seeks dialogue

The Rhône inter-union has requested a meeting with the prefecture before November 5 to discuss the maintenance of order. Maud Millier criticized the pattern of maintaining order since May 1, 2026, describing it as repressive and an obstacle to freedom of demonstration and collective freedoms.

Criticism of government stance

The inter-union also condemned President Emmanuel Macron's statements that demonstrations by "people who have no legitimacy" should be systematically prohibited, calling it political instrumentalization. Léo Girardin, co-secretary of Solidaires of Rhône, argued that the approach is intended to discourage the population from demonstrating and making demands, while Nadine Ben Mahdi, departmental secretary of UNSA Rhone, noted a perceived double standard in the treatment of different groups demonstrating.

Goals of the demonstration

The inter-union expects to mobilize enough people to continue the strike, "block the economy," and "make the government yield." They also aim to highlight the absence of the employer association from the debates, stating that it is not held responsible for its actions, continues to receive fiscal gifts, and records profits without being threatened.

Calls for concrete solutions

Maud Millier stated that the inter-union will not yield before the presidential election scheduled for April 18 and May 2, emphasizing that this period is propitious for expressing social needs and demands. Mathis Toinon, co-vice president in charge of services within GAELIS, criticized the announcements from the Minister of National Education, Édouard Geffray, and Higher Education, Philippe Baptiste, calling them "profoundly ridiculous," though acknowledging they are in the right direction but insufficient. Maud Millier emphasized the urgency of finding concrete solutions, stating that they exist and are applicable. The UMIH of Rhône has called on high school students and workers to dialogue.