PARIS: With protests in France still far from over, the Indian embassy in Paris has asked Indians living in or heading to the country to be extra careful.
In an advisory put out on Wednesday evening, the embassy pointed to the recent developments and the curfews now in force in some areas. Indians were told to steer clear of big gatherings and crowded spots, and to keep away from places where demonstrations are underway. They should also follow whatever instructions French authorities give.
Travel plans could get messy too. The embassy said people should keep an eye on official channels for news about disruptions to transport in French cities. Anyone facing an emergency can call the embassy in Paris on +33 6 48 34 00 63 or email cons.paris@mea.gov.in.
Italy got a similar warning
France isn’t the only European country where Indians have been told to watch out. Earlier this week, the Indian embassy in Italy issued its own advisory after protests there over the rising cost of living and poor public services. Released on Monday, it asked Indians to be cautious, avoid crowded areas and protest sites, and follow local news.
What’s happening in France
The country has just lived through some of its worst unrest in years. Anger over rising living costs, weakening public services and worries about education spilled onto the streets, and things turned ugly in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other cities. There were reports of looting, arson and clashes with police.
Many of those protesting are school students. They say their schools don’t get enough money, the buildings and facilities are poor, and there aren’t enough staff, particularly in lower-income neighbourhoods. Some also find the long school days, which often run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., exhausting. Others say the university admissions system is too complicated and doesn’t feel fair.
A pause, not an end
After the violence over the weekend, the last two nights have been calm. Curfews, though, are still in place in parts of several big cities, including some small areas of Paris.
More trouble could be on the way. Student unions and groups linked to the “yellow vest” movement have called for fresh protests on Thursday and Saturday. That movement began over fuel prices and shook France in 2018 and 2019. Paris police have said they will ban Thursday’s protest in the capital, citing public safety and the risk of damage to property.
Arrests and the government’s response
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said 2,500 people were detained during and after the protests. Of them, 174 have been jailed and another 917 have been formally prosecuted.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu met union representatives on Wednesday and promised a “massive” security operation on Saturday. The aim is to avoid a repeat of the violence by small groups of rioters, which exposed gaps in security arrangements.
