France Gripped by Renewed Protests Over Cost of Living and New Police Powers

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, France on Saturday witnessed protest rallies and demonstrations for the fifth week in a row. These protests, encompassing a broad spectrum of issues from the escalating cost of living to opposition against a new bill concerning police powers, were held in Paris and dozens of other cities.

The “Yellow Vest” movement, students, labor unions, and children’s rights activists are participating in these demonstrations. A central focus of the protests is a bill that grants police officers the presumption of legitimate defense when using their weapons. Proponents of this legislation, including the far-right National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen, believe it will prevent officers from being automatically accused of using disproportionate force. Conversely, opponents argue that the bill effectively grants police “a license to kill” and makes it more difficult to hold security forces accountable in cases of police violence.

Children’s rights activists are also calling for increased protection for children and adolescents against violence. According to figures released by French authorities, approximately 146,000 people demonstrated across the country last Saturday. However, more than 500,000 people took to the streets during the general strike the previous Thursday. Labor unions have also issued a call for a new strike next Tuesday, deeming the government’s proposed 0.6 percent increase in the minimum wage insufficient.