Rising Social Anger in France: New Actions on Saturday and an Upcoming Conference at Matignon

Ongoing Mobilization and Calls for New Actions

France is experiencing a continuation of social anger following nationwide strikes and demonstrations demanding higher wages and improved purchasing power. Tensions are not expected to ease, as youth organizations and "Yellow Vests" groups prepare to stage new mobilizations next Saturday, marking "Act IV" of their movement launched on October 17.

Tally of Thursday's Demonstrations and Security Interventions

The French Ministry of the Interior reported that approximately 575,000 people took part in protests across various cities in 193 marches called by trade unions, including around 65,000 demonstrators in Paris.

A provisional toll released by the ministry indicated 448 arrests and 53 injured members of the law enforcement forces, in addition to 86 interventions to extinguish fires that broke out during the protest actions, noting that these figures are subject to updates.

Upcoming Social Conference at the Hôtel de Matignon

In an effort to defuse the crisis and ease tensions, Sébastien Lecornu announced that a "social conference" will be held on Monday at the Prime Minister's office in Matignon, bringing together representatives of trade unions and employers' organizations. A statement issued by Matignon said the meeting aims to "provide tangible answers regarding purchasing power and wage levels."

Concurrently, Lecornu instructed Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou to wrap up ongoing consultations with relevant parties by Sunday, while David Amiel, Minister for Action and Public Accounts, continues discussions with public service employee representatives. For their part, the leaders of the "CFDT" and "CGT" trade unions reiterated their demands for a substantial increase in the minimum wage (Smic) and a general raise in salaries across all sectors.

Tense Climate in Educational Institutions

The repercussions of the social tension have extended to the education sector. The union of school heads (SNPDEN-Unsa) expressed deep concern over an exceptional number of high school principals seeking to step down from their roles or requesting transfers due to work pressure and incidents of violence. In statements to "RTL" radio, its Secretary-General Bruno Bobkiewicz explained that around 50 principals are considering taking this step.

For his part, union official and principal Olivier Beaufrère pointed out that some educational staff now prefer returning to head middle schools to avoid the blockades and protests witnessed in high schools. This crisis coincides with the annual transfer request period for National Education executives via the official platform, which runs until November 8.