Protests planned in Vienne department

Protests are expected to take place in the Vienne department on October 24, following a significant mobilization on October 17. Yellow Vest protesters, along with student and university collectives, are preparing for the demonstrations.

Union participation confirmed

The Vienne branches of unions and collectives have confirmed their participation. Yellow Vests will gather at the Auchan Sud roundabout in Poitiers at 2 p.m., and there is also a planned gathering in front of the Vienne prefecture at 3 p.m.

Student groups join the movement

Student groups from Bois d’Amour in Poitiers, who have been actively involved in blockades since the beginning, will join the movement to denounce their schooling conditions. The CGT Poitiers Futur and the Confédération paysanne have called on people to join the Yellow Vests at the gathering places.

Agricultural union shares concerns

The agricultural union stated in the newspaper that they share the same difficulties facing the high cost of living and the destruction of public services in favor of unbridged capitalism.

Merchants worry about disruptions

Merchants in Poitiers have expressed concerns over potential disruptions. On October 17, numerous looting incidents occurred, including in Poitiers, where Sephora and Foot Locker stores were emptied of their stock.

Damage estimates from previous protests

Pierre-Marie Moreau, a tourism official, director of a shopping center, and president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of the Vienne, estimated the damage to Foot Locker at "several hundred thousand euros, if not a million" and the damage to the cosmetics store at "between 1 and 2 million euros."

Preparation for possible disruptions

On October 22, nearly a hundred merchants in the city center were invited to a "working meeting" organized by the Poitiers le Centre merchant association. The aim was to prepare the merchants, with the support of local authorities, for potential disruptions.

Security measures to be strengthened

Guillaume Philippe, the president of the association, confirmed an enhancement of the security measures around the city center merchants after being invited to ICI Poitou on October 23. The Departmental Directorate of National Police of the Vienne offered preventive assistance to merchants wishing to strengthen the security of their premises.

Authorities assure security arrangements

Aude Malfait, the sub-prefect of the Vienne, assured merchants of an "appropriate" security arrangement. Sentinels will patrol the city center, with particular vigilance given to shopping centers.

Law enforcement presence increased

A doubling of the number of law enforcement personnel compared to October 17 was announced. In parallel, the Vienne prefecture has issued a decree banning the purchase, sale, possession, and transport of pyrotechnic devices from Friday, October 23, to Sunday, October 25.