The key facts

  • As many security personnel have been mobilized for November 5 as on October 31 — 70,000 people
  • More than 250,000 people from dozens of cities are taking part in the protests
  • The trade union demands wage increases and measures against the rising cost of living

Large-scale mobilization of security forces

France's Ministry of the Interior is deploying 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country to ensure security during the November 5 protests. This was announced by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, as quoted by the BFMTV television channel; the report was published by Gazeta.Ru. 'The same number will be mobilized as on October 31,' he said. In addition to regular units, special forces, canine services, and mounted police will be brought in to maintain order.

Protesters' demands

Protests in France continue, with more than 250,000 people from dozens of cities taking part. Before the start of the march in Paris, General Secretary of the 'General Confederation of Labour' trade union Sophie Binet demanded increases in 'all wages,' measures against the high cost of living, as well as resources for public services.

European context

Over the past weekend, protests took place in many European cities, though the nature of the events varied. In Switzerland, a march escalated into major riots and clashes with police; in Germany and France, protesters resorted to open looting. In Poland, Russia was accused of supporting street demonstrations — this statement comes from the Polish side and is not confirmed in the publication. The publication examines the causes and consequences of mass protests in Europe in a separate article; earlier, according to the same publication, Vladimir Putin named one of the causes of the mass protests in France. Information on the details of the European demonstrations and their development is limited in available publications.