France’s Yellow Vests movement has announced plans for nationwide demonstrations on October 31, accusing the government of adopting increasingly authoritarian policies and failing to address public grievances.
According to French broadcaster BFMTV, the movement has called for rallies and sit-ins outside the National Assembly in Paris and municipal buildings across the country.
Organisers said the demonstrations would aim to “defend public freedoms” amid growing concerns over government restrictions on public gatherings.
In a statement announcing the planned mobilisation, the Yellow Vests criticised the government’s response to public dissatisfaction and accused officials of disregarding citizens’ concerns.
“There is anger in this country which is not being heard,” the movement said.
It further accused the government of “contempt, refusal to listen, lies and repression.”
The group warned that public freedoms were “under threat” and criticised what it described as an increasingly “authoritarian drift” within the executive branch.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions following violent incidents and looting during demonstrations across France the previous weekend.
In response to the unrest, authorities have prohibited several planned gatherings, citing concerns over public safety and the possibility of further disturbances.
The restrictions have added to disagreements between protest organisers and the government over the right to demonstrate.
Separately, thousands of demonstrators were expected to gather in Paris and other major French cities on Saturday to protest rising living expenses and deteriorating teaching conditions.
The demonstrations are expected to highlight economic pressures facing households alongside concerns about conditions within the education system.
The Yellow Vests’ planned October 31 mobilisation adds another round of protests to an already tense period in France, as authorities seek to maintain public order while demonstrators demand greater government accountability and protection of civil liberties.