French Economy Minister Roland Lescure said Wednesday that violence during last weekend’s nationwide demonstrations may have caused tens or even hundreds of millions of euros in damage, as authorities prepare for another round of protests.
Speaking to French radio station RTL, Lescure described the unrest as “extremely serious” and condemned the violence that accompanied demonstrations against the rising cost of living.
He claimed France had been attacked from within by “two violent movements: anarchists and thugs.”
The minister said the government was coordinating with insurance companies to assist shopkeepers and businesses whose properties were damaged during the disturbances.
Authorities were also taking steps to prevent further violence ahead of demonstrations planned for Saturday.
“We will do everything possible to prevent this from happening again,” Lescure said.
The Yellow Vest movement has announced plans for another demonstration in Paris, with coordinator Benjamin Ball confirming that a formal notification had been submitted to the Paris police prefecture, according to broadcaster BFMTV.
The Paris branch of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) and a student union have also announced plans to gather at Bastille.
The renewed mobilisation follows widespread protests on October 17, when approximately 550,000 people demonstrated across France against rising living costs.
The demonstrations were accompanied by clashes between protesters and police in several locations.
Vehicles were set ablaze, shops were looted and property was damaged during the unrest, while authorities arrested more than 2,000 people.
With further demonstrations scheduled, the French government faces the challenge of maintaining public order while responding to continuing concerns over the cost of living.