William Molinié 09:02, March 18, 2023

Two days after the government used 49.3 to push through the highly contested pension reform, the protest continues and could even strengthen this weekend. If the police and the Ministry of the Interior fear excesses, what can we expect for these new days of mobilization?

By triggering 49.3 to push through its highly contested pension reform, the government has also angered many French people. This Friday evening, in Paris, during a second tense evening Place de la Concorde, 61 people were arrested. This weekend is therefore at high risk: the police and the Ministry of the Interior fear excesses.

Towards a radicalization of the protest?

The safety of elected officials is one of the top priorities. Gérald Darmanin asked the prefect to ensure the surveillance of the offices and homes of parliamentarians, especially those of the majority. Then there is the subject of public order. "Yes" to supervised demonstrations, says the Minister of the Interior. "No" to the "zadisation", in the words of a source at Place Beauvau.

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Particular vigilance will be brought to the blockages of incinerators, refineries, oil depots and major roads. Because territorial intelligence expects a radicalization of the protest, especially with the risk of punch actions, a return of yellow vests and excesses.

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As for the unions, they are seeking to renew their mode of action. They called for more local gatherings throughout the weekend, before a start of the week that may be complicated in terms of policing, especially with the early baccalaureate exams scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The prefects are ordered to secure the examination and the routing of the 530,000 candidates to their copies.