France braces for fresh protests as Macron seeks to avert repeat of October unrest

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take part in demonstrations across France on Thursday, in a fresh test for President Emmanuel Macron after weeks of unrest have rattled his government ahead of next year's presidential election.

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take part in demonstrations across France on Thursday, in a fresh test for President Emmanuel Macron after weeks of unrest have rattled his government ahead of next year’s presidential election.

The mobilisation, called by trade unions including the left-wing General Confederation of Labour (CGT) and backed by student groups, follows demonstrations over the cost of living, public services and education that have triggered some of the country’s worst civil unrest in years.

Authorities are seeking to prevent a repeat of the violence on October 17, when riots and looting caught security forces off guard, leaving shops and public buildings damaged across the country and fuelling criticism of Macron’s handling of the crisis.

“We are extremely vigilant because it is out of the question to relive October 17,” government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said at a news conference after Wednesday’s cabinet meeting.

French authorities plan to deploy around 70,000 police officers nationwide, while the domestic intelligence service expects between 500,000 and 700,000 people to join demonstrations outside Paris, according to media reports.

The Education Ministry said 17.5 percent of public primary school teachers were expected to strike, while unions warned of possible disruption to rail and public transport services.

Students are also expected to join Thursday’s marches, saying deteriorating school conditions and uncertainty about their future remain major concerns.

“We’re trying to keep mobilising as much as possible. Some people aren’t doing so because they’re afraid. A lot of people are afraid of police violence,” said Irma de Banville, a 19-year-old student in Paris.

The government has defended police tactics while saying any abuses would be investigated.

Macron convened a defence and security meeting on Wednesday ahead of the protests, highlighting how a movement that began with student anger over deteriorating school conditions and concerns about opportunities for young people has evolved into a broader challenge to his government.

“The goal in the coming weeks is to get the river that overflowed back into its bed and to launch the presidential election in the calmest possible conditions,” an official close to Macron said.

The official was referring to the government’s efforts to ease tensions ahead of the presidential election, due in 2027.