New phase of Yellow Vests mobilizations

The Yellow Vests movement, which led to chaotic demonstrations against the cost of living in France last Saturday, announced on Monday a new phase of mobilizations called "Act II," with planned actions on Saturday, October 24, and October 31. The movement's coordination website, 17octobregiletjaune.net, shows a map with several dozen actions already scheduled for October 24.

Focus on November 5 and labor demands

According to Benjamin Ball, editor of the site, there is a strong push for "Act II," and the movement plans to continue the momentum, focusing on November 5. That date is marked by an intersyndical call from major French labor unions, including CFDT, CGT, FO, Unsa, and FSU, for strikes and demonstrations over wages, public services, employment, and industry.

Criticism of Macron's speech and demands for meeting

The movement's coordination denounced President Emmanuel Macron's televised speech on Sunday evening as "empty" and requested a meeting with Macron at the Élysée Palace. They want representatives from various mobilized sectors to be received, and they continue to demand Macron's resignation, criticizing the government's budgetary direction, the cost of living, and the handling of the October 17 demonstrations by law enforcement.

Planned demonstrations in Lyon and police tactics

In Lyon, four demonstrations are planned for October 24, with the largest at Place Bellecour at 2 p.m. Similar gatherings are planned in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon and Vénissieux. The movement also criticizes the use of rubber bullets and tear gas canisters by police and opposes the possibility of banning certain gatherings, as mentioned by Macron after the violence on October 17. They refuse to condemn property damage made by demonstrators, instead focusing on what they describe as institutional and social violence.

Challenges in maintaining focus and participation

The movement faces challenges in keeping the focus on the cost of living issue, as acts of vandalism during previous demonstrations often overshadowed the core message. The planned mobilization on October 24 will occur during the All Saints' Day holidays, and the absence of high school students, who were a key part of the movement since September, may affect participation. The organizers hope to maintain pressure on the government and continue mobilizing various sectors of the population, including retirees, employees, and environmental activists.