The key facts

  • Minister Nuñez authorized the police to use all intermediate means, including grenades, on the day of mass protests
  • 250 demonstrations and 80 authorized marches are expected; outside Paris — 50,000–100,000 participants, in Paris — 20,000–40,000
  • One type of grenade was suspended from use after school protests in which a student lost a hand

Minister allows use of grenades

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said on Friday on France 2 that in cases of 'urban violence' the police may use stun grenades. According to him, ahead of the broad nationwide mobilization expected on Saturday, 'police officers and gendarmes must be able to use all the intermediate means at their disposal on Saturday.'

Restriction on one type of grenade

According to the TV channel BFMTV, the use of one of the types of grenades was suspended after protests by high school students, during which one student lost a hand.

Scale of the expected rallies

Territorial intelligence services estimated the number of participants in demonstrations outside the Paris region at 50,000–100,000 people, and the march in Paris at 20,000–40,000. Nuñez noted that he expects 'quite significant mobilization': 250 demonstrations and 80 authorized marches are planned, as well as just over 40 declared demonstrations.

Causes of the protests

According to France Info, the planned mobilization is intended to give voice to widespread discontent over rising fuel prices, declining purchasing power and the deteriorating state of public services. On social media, calls are spreading for mass mobilization of students, farmers, firefighters, medical workers and pensioners, fueled by the high school students' protests. It is reported that in recent days some prominent figures of the 'yellow vests' movement have also promoted the idea of a 'convergence of struggles and generations.'