Updates on the Struggles in France
Featured image: Protests in France. Source: Jeunesse Communiste
Since the large protests on October 17, which we reported about and shared a statement which reported and analyzed the events further, the State apparatus has installed targeted curfews restricting the movement of young people: In Paris, movement is restricted overnight in the Place de la République and Les Halles areas, from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. In Marseille, a curfew for the whole population is set for Saturday night, 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.; other cities have imposed restrictions as well. 217 people had been jailed over last weekend’s protests after being convicted in fast-track trials. 2,700 people had been arrested across France and more than 1,000 have appeared in court.
Despite repression and limitation of movement, another day of protest has been called for tomorrow, October 24. The call of the Jeunesse Communiste (Communist Youth) reads: “After the explosive day of October 17, marking a turning point in the development of the class struggle in the country, let’s prepare for Act II this Saturday, October 24! Despite the repression and increased surveillance, we will not give up!”
Anticipating the upcoming days of protest, president Macron has met with intelligence services and ministers to limit people’s democratic right for assembly from today onward: “When they’re not union organizations, wherever possible, they’ll be banned.” A massive deployment of police and military forces is also anticipated for tomorrows protests.
We also include a solidarity video from the International Anti-Imperialist League – Section Colombia for the militant youth in France, with graffiti by students and young supporters:
Revolutionary Student Union (RSU) from the US also published a solidarity message:
