Paris:Overnight curfews imposed in France following recent violent protests will not deter the Yellow Vests movement from returning to the streets on Saturday, according to a lawyer representing the movement.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, David Libeskind stated in a written statement that the curfews, which took effect Monday night in Paris and other regions, will "have no impact on the movement" as demonstrations occur in the morning or afternoon. The restrictions in Paris prevent people from being on the streets around Place de la Republique and Les Halles between 10 pm and 6 am local time, while in parts of central Lyon, the curfew starts an hour earlier.
Libeskind emphasized that the curfews primarily target minors, but restrictions in Paris and Lyon also apply to adults. Despite these measures, organizers have called for another nationwide mobilization on October 24, labeled as "Act II" of the protest movement. An interactive map by the organizers shows 212 planned mobilizations, including demonstrations, roundabout gatherings, and actions at gas stations and oil depots.
The Yellow Vests coordination's statement from October 18 highlighted the unification of protesters over rising fuel, food, and rent prices, calling for improvements in education, wages, and social benefits. They requested President Emmanuel Macron to meet with a delegation of various societal groups and urged supporters to maintain blockades and establish local assemblies in anticipation of a prolonged campaign.
The protests, which began in mid-September at a high school in Creteil, have spread to other schools and streets, drawing support from students and former Yellow Vest activists. Confrontations with police have resulted in injuries, and authorities have reported significant arrests and detentions following unrest.
Libeskind criticized the authorities for focusing on vandalism to "conceal their inability to address the problems facing the French people," asserting the determination of the protesters to continue their movement.