Key facts
- President Macron promised government measures in response to weeks of protests.
- Prime Minister Lecornu will announce the measures after meeting student unions.
- Interior Minister Nunez expects more unrest on Halloween evening.
- 1,435 people were arrested nationwide during recent demonstrations.
- 267 police officers and 150 protesters were injured.
- Business leaders reported significant economic damage to retailers.
French President Emmanuel Macron promised on Monday that his government would announce a package of measures in response to weeks of street protests over a broad set of grievances, while acknowledging the risk of more unrest ahead. His prime minister, Sebastien Lecornu, is set to hold a news conference after meeting with unions of high school students who want more resources for the education sector and an overhaul of a university admissions process they say embeds inequalities.
Macron told reporters in Marseille that he had asked the government to respond to the legitimate demands at the root of the social movement. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said more unrest is expected next weekend, with Halloween evening traditionally being lively. He stated that 1,435 people were arrested nationwide during Saturday's demonstrations and that organized far-right gangs confronted far-left activists in several cities.
Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said the state prevailed over the weekend, but acknowledged protesters had raised legitimate grievances. Business leaders reported significant economic damage, with many retailers seeing sales fall by about 80%. A total of 1,435 people were arrested during the recent protests, and 267 police officers and 150 protesters were injured.