FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron has vowed a tougher security response to prevent renewed violence during planned protests this weekend, as mounting public anger over living costs and public services deepens the political and economic crisis.
Macron said those seeking to cause disorder in city centres on Saturday would be stopped, following some of France’s worst urban unrest in years on Oct 17.
“Those who want to cause disorder in city centres next Saturday will be prevented from doing so,” Reuters report4ed him saying during a visit to Qatar.
He said he would meet intelligence officials and senior ministers on Thursday to discuss the crisis, with the government promising a substantially reinforced security operation involving additional police and troops.
Macron also condemned foreign leaders who commented on the unrest, accusing some of spreading misinformation and exploiting the crisis for political gain.
Asked whether he was referring to US President Donald Trump, who blamed immigrants and radical Islam for the turmoil without providing evidence, Macron said: “Among others.”
“There was foreign disinformation in the aftermath, which prompted comments that were as unacceptable as they were stupid from many people, including foreign leaders,” he said.
Fresh demonstrations are planned for Saturday, with France’s main student union, UNEF, calling for rallies and the Yellow Vest movement planning a march through central Paris.
The protests come as efforts to ease tensions have stalled. Unions have vowed to proceed with a national strike on Nov 5 over the cost of living and cuts to public services, after talks with Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu ended without a breakthrough.
CGT union leader Sophie Binet said the government had offered no concrete response to workers’ demands on wages and public services.
“The time has come to take the mobilisation to the next level,” she said.
The unrest is also weighing on financial markets. French 10-year government bond yields reached 5% this week, their highest level since July 2002, as investors worried that the crisis could complicate efforts to repair strained public finances.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said about 2,500 people had been taken into custody following the Oct 17 protests, with 917 suspects referred for prosecution and 174 people already jailed.
The unrest has intensified political tensions ahead of next year’s presidential election, with far-right and hard-left candidates performing strongly in opinion polls.
A second consecutive night of local curfews passed without major incidents in affected areas, offering the government some respite as it prepares for further demonstrations. - October 22, 2026