Mobilizations for October 17 begin organizing

Mobilizations for October 17 are starting to take shape across France, with trade unions and political parties submitting requests to local authorities to officially declare demonstrations. However, in Paris, the police prefect has already denied several proposed routes.

Movement grows from social media

The mobilizations on October 17 are expected to be large, originating from social media as a protest against rising fuel prices and more broadly against the cost of living. The movement has gained momentum through student demonstrations, with calls for mobilization spreading across social media for over a month.

Trade unions and parties seek approval

According to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, political groups like La France Insoumise, a new anticapitalist party, and the trade union CGT have begun contacting local authorities to declare demonstrations. He emphasized the right to demonstrate and strike but warned of potential violence, stating the movement has shifted from students to urban violence.

Paris police block key routes

In Paris, the police prefect has already begun to prohibit certain demonstration routes. The Interfac IDF general assembly declared a demonstration between Place de la République and Place de la Concorde, but Police Prefect Patrice Faure refused the route, citing serious risks of public order disturbances.

Alternative routes proposed and rejected

The prefecture proposed an alternative route connecting République to Nation, which the organizers refused. An alternative route remains available, the police prefecture added. Another demonstration was planned by yellow vests and trade unions, but the police proposed an alternative route to prevent the two groups from merging.

Preparation for the day underway

A meeting was held at the Ministry of the Interior, where officials prepared for the day. The minister believes the "ultraleft movement" seeks to escalate events, with concerns about infiltration by black blocs in several major cities. Law enforcement will respond firmly to any violence or blockages.

Expectations for Paris demonstration

Official estimates suggest between 20,000 and 40,000 people are expected to march in Paris on Saturday. The head of police for Paris issued an order prohibiting the demonstration along the route chosen by the Interfac IDF general assembly, citing concerns about public order.