France wants to use the military in new riots – “Sentinelle” unit mobilized

The French government wants to deploy soldiers next Saturday to support the police in the announced protests. The soldiers of the anti-terror unit “Sentinelle” will take over tasks from the security forces in order to release police and gendarmes to maintain order, as Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Tuesday in the National Assembly.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a “massive” police operation in the demonstrations. His goal is an “immediate return to order” after the serious riots last weekend.

After the violent riots, things remained calm in France on Tuesday night. The government had imposed night curfews in major cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lille and Nice. “The targeted curfews helped keep things quiet last night,” explained Lecornu.

After the riots, in which the centers of several large cities remained largely unprotected, the government now wants to address the shortcomings. Some things went well, others went terribly wrong, said the head of government. He is determined to restore order in the country.

Last weekend, street battles and looting broke out during nationwide protests against the high cost of living. According to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, 123 of those arrested over the weekend are in custody, and around 2,500 others are in custody for questioning.

According to the news agency “Reuters”, student associations and groups from the “yellow vest” movement have called for new demonstrations next Saturday. The largest student group UNEF demanded more money for the education system, while the “yellow vests” mobilized against rising fuel prices, reports “Reuters”.

However, major unions such as the CGT did not join the calls for Saturday. The protests, which began as student strikes, have developed into a broad movement against the government's social, health and housing policies. Excessive violence and riots occurred several times.

A new president will be elected in France next spring. Incumbent Emmanuel Macron is no longer allowed to run. Observers see the protests as further strengthening of the right-wing populist Marine Le Pen, who wants to run in the election.