UPDATE - France on 'maximum vigilance' ahead of Oct. 24 demonstrations

ADDS FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - France's minister delegate to the Interior Ministry warned Thursday that the government was maintaining a “maximum level of vigilance” ahead of nationwide demonstrations planned for Oct. 24.

“We are at a maximum level of vigilance” for Oct. 24, Jean-Didier Berger told broadcaster BFMTV.

He said the government “absolutely rules nothing out in the coming days and weeks” if it deems it necessary to ban gatherings or cultural and sporting events.

Berger also said the deployment of security forces on Saturday would be “20% higher” than on Oct. 17.

“We have canceled leave. We have recalled people who were supposed to be on leave and who will no longer be,” he explained.

Sentinelle forces will also be deployed, along with special units such as the GIGN and RAID.

President Emmanuel Macron later announced at a security council meeting that demonstrations not organized by trade unions would be banned for the coming days and in particular for Oct. 24 "wherever possible."

He explained that the trade unions would submit requests to hold demonstrations across the country, which would then be examined by prefects.

The Var prefecture announced that it had taken an order to temporarily ban demonstrations in the city center of Toulon on Saturday.

A temporary curfew for unaccompanied minors is also in place from Saturday evening to Sunday morning in the city center.

The Rhone prefecture also banned "all demonstrations" in Lyon for Oct. 24 by decree, BFMTV reported.

The Interior Ministry further issued recommendations urging shopkeepers to take precautionary measures ahead of further days of protests, including securing shop windows and checking video surveillance systems.

Authorities also advised traders to remove objects that could be used to cause damage and adjust cash-handling procedures.

Meanwhile, the Paris police prefecture has called on shopkeepers in the capital to strengthen security, including by deploying private security agents, accompanied by canine teams where appropriate.

Nationwide protests took place on Oct. 17 over the cost of living and fuel prices, involving Yellow Vest demonstrators and students. Authorities reported damage to businesses and public buildings, prompting localized curfews in several cities.

Further demonstrations are planned for Oct. 24, while unions have called for a nationwide strike and protest day on Nov. 5.

İlayda Çakırtekin