The key facts

  • According to a BFMTV poll, nearly 7 out of 10 French people approve of the October 17 protests against the rising cost of living.
  • Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expects about 250 gatherings and 80 marches across France.
  • The mobilization is compared to the 2018 'yellow vests' movement; student and youth organizations are calling for participation.

Poll shows broad support for the protests

Nearly seven out of ten residents of France approve of the mobilization scheduled for Saturday, October 17, against the rising cost of living. These figures come from a poll published on Friday by the French TV channel BFMTV. The actions are taking place against the backdrop of growing concern over fuel prices and purchasing power; calls for demonstrations were spread on social media.

Scale and comparisons with the 'yellow vests'

The mobilization is compared to the 'yellow vests' movement, which emerged in 2018 amid discontent over fuel taxes and the cost of living. Student and youth organizations have also called for participation in Saturday's demonstrations.

Authorities' expectations

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the authorities expect about 250 gatherings and 80 marches across the country on Saturday. Demonstrations are to take place in a number of cities; organizers and participants express concern over rising prices and the government's policies.