Hundreds of protests expected across France, with shops, businesses and tourist sites closed – Europe live

Hundreds of thousands of protesters are expected to rally across France this weekend, marking the fourth consecutive weekend of demonstrations demanding increased government funding for schools and measures to address housing and cost-of-living challenges. The demonstrations bring together high school students, unionists, and 'yellow vest' activists, prompting significant security measures from authorities.

French authorities have deployed 70,000 police officers and soldiers to the streets, a 20% increase from previous weekends, including both elite units and trainee officers. The heightened security comes after last weekend's protests saw widespread looting and property damage in several cities.

Transport Shutdown

Paris authorities have closed 24 metro stations to contain crowds and restrict movement throughout the city. The affected stations include major hubs like Argentine, Assemblée Nationale, Champs-Elysées – Clemenceau, Charles de Gaulle – Étoile, and others across the city.

Similar restrictions have been implemented in other cities. Marseille initially suspended public transport services but reversed the decision following public outcry. In Orléans, where the far-right National Rally is holding its congress, tram lines have been suspended and bike-sharing rentals removed from the city center.

Business Preparations

Many businesses across France have been urged to close their doors in anticipation of unrest. In Paris, shops and businesses have been hastily boarding up their windows and storefronts with wooden panels, with some shop owners expressing concerns about the cost and availability of materials.

The preparations follow last weekend's violence where hundreds of shops were smashed and looted in Paris alone, with thousands more affected in cities including Marseille and Bordeaux. Businesses from opticians and supermarkets to luxury stores are taking precautions.

Political Context

Community tensions remain high following a deadly shooting west of Paris on Friday where a gunman targeted non-white people, killing one person and injuring five others including a child. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the attack as a 'racist terrorist attack.'

Meanwhile, Marine Le Pen's anti-immigration National Rally is holding its national conference in Orléans, expected to draw up to 30,000 counter-demonstrators. The far-right gathering adds another layer of tension to an already volatile situation across France and other European countries including Italy, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Albania and Ireland where protests are also being held.