Mass protests planned in France

A large-scale mobilization is expected to take place across France on Saturday, October 17, with multiple protest movements converging in the streets. High school students, university students, Yellow Vests protesters, climate activists, trade unionists, and farmers are preparing to gather, with numerous actions and demonstrations planned across the country.

Government estimates uncertain

The government fears the scale of the movement could be immense, with estimates ranging from more than 500 to over 1,000 potential demonstrations announced. Authorities have revised their forecasts upward, expecting the mobilization to bring together the anger of high school students, climate activists, and Yellow Vests protesters.

Authorization and uncertainty

The Ministry of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, stated that 250 demonstrations and 80 processions must be authorized, with only a little more than forty demonstrations declared in the prefectures. However, the movement remains difficult to measure, mixing declared processions, local actions, and anonymous online calls, leading to discrepancies in estimates.

Expected crowd sizes

In Paris, the police prefecture expects between 20,000 and 40,000 people, while in the provinces, 60,000 to 110,000 demonstrators are anticipated. The ambiguity surrounding the scale of the movement has caused concern among authorities, who are also worried about the potential for violence.

Use of tear gas resumes

The Ministry of the Interior has authorized the use of tear gas grenades, which had been suspended after the maiming of a 15-year-old student in Lens. This decision has raised concerns about the potential for serious injuries, as the tear gas grenades can produce explosions of about 160 decibels and cause hearing damage.

Online influence and restrictions

The government has also reported an influencer on Twitch for "incitement to commit a crime" after calling for participation in riots on October 17. Additionally, the police have banned the Republic-Concorde route in Paris, citing "serious risks of public order disturbances" observed during a previous demonstration.

Concerns over police conduct

Demonstrators have expressed fears about police misconduct, with images of controls that degenerate, arrests, or injuries during previous mobilizations fueling controversy over the use of force. In less than a month, 36 investigations have been opened by the National Police Inspection (IGPN) in connection with the student movement, including four for "mutilating injuries" and six for "significant injuries."

Convergence of movements

The mobilization on October 17 is expected to be a significant event, potentially marking a convergence of various struggles, including those of the Yellow Vests, high school students, climate defenders, and farmers.