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- David Libeskind says movement expects large turnout, numerous blockades of supermarkets and oil depots during Saturday protests - ‘We propose ending Fifth Republic and hope for direct democracy with frequent use of referendums,’ lawyer says, referring to France’s current system of government - ‘Violence and vandalism alone will not be enough to weaken movement, given how determined protesters are,’ he says
By Necva Tastan Sevinc
ISTANBUL (AA) - Overnight curfews imposed in France following violent protests will not deter the Yellow Vests movement from returning to the streets Saturday, a lawyer representing the movement said.
"This will have no impact on the movement, since demonstrations take place in the morning or afternoon," David Libeskind said in a written statement to Anadolu.
The restrictions took effect Monday night in Paris, barring people from streets around Place de la Republique and Les Halles between 10 pm and 6 am local time.
In parts of central Lyon, the curfew begins an hour earlier.
Nice imposed restrictions on minors in city-center streets from 9 pm to 6 am, while unaccompanied minors in parts of Gironde face a 10 pm to 7 am curfew through Oct. 26.
Libeskind said curfews generally targeted minors, although restrictions in Paris and Lyon also apply to adults.
- Protesters prepare for 'Act II'
Organizers have called for another nationwide mobilization Saturday, Oct. 24, describing it as "Act II" of the protest movement.
An interactive map published by organizers lists 212 planned mobilizations, including 167 demonstrations, 19 roundabout gatherings, six actions at gas stations and one at an oil depot.
"We expect people to turn out in large numbers and organize numerous blockades of supermarkets, oil depots and other sites," Libeskind said.
"We demand a freeze on petrol, gas and basic necessities prices," he added.
In an Oct. 18 statement, the Yellow Vests coordination said anger over rising fuel, food and rent prices had united protesters demanding improvements in education, wages and social benefits.
The group called on President Emmanuel Macron to receive a delegation of students, workers, farmers and other protesters at the Elysee Palace.
It also urged supporters to maintain blockades and establish local assemblies, aiming to extend a planned Nov. 5 national strike into a sustained campaign.
Student organizations have called for demonstrations Thursday and Saturday, with the National High School Student Coordination supporting continued blockades.
"The protesters are calling for Emmanuel Macron's resignation," Libeskind said.
"We propose ending the Fifth Republic and hope for a direct democracy with frequent use of referendums," he added.
France’s Fifth Republic, established in 1958, grants the president broad powers while requiring the government to remain accountable to parliament.
- Protests spread from schools to streets
The protests began in mid-September when students at a high school in Creteil, outside Paris, demonstrated against deteriorating buildings, overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages.
Blockades spread to other schools, drawing support from teachers and university students.
Confrontations with police left a 15-year-old without a hand in Lens and a 16-year-old with a serious eye injury in Tours.
Anger over police tactics brought former Yellow Vest protesters back onto the streets in solidarity with students.
Meanwhile, Yellow Vest activists organized an Oct. 17 protest against rising prices and stagnant wages, joined by unions demanding higher pay, pensions and improved public services.
The demonstrations drew about 550,000 people nationwide, according to authorities, while organizers claimed 800,000 participated.
Although many marched peacefully, violence erupted in several cities.
Fire destroyed Limoges' 19th-century city hall and damaged Lyon's tourist office, while supermarkets and luxury stores were looted.
Police used tear gas and water cannons during clashes.
One demonstrator died following a reported cardiac arrest near the Paris march. Prosecutors opened an investigation to establish the cause of death.
The Interior Ministry reported 997 injured police officers and gendarmes, including seven seriously wounded.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said authorities detained 2,513 people and imprisoned 67 following the unrest.
Libeskind accused authorities of emphasizing vandalism to "conceal their inability to address the problems facing the French people."
"Violence and vandalism alone will not be enough to weaken the movement, given how determined the protesters are," he said.
Necva Taştan Sevinç
