Remain vigilant, exercise caution: Indian embassy issues advisory for citizens in France amid violent unrest
The Embassy advised Indians to stay away from protest sites and public demonstrations, saying that localised curfews had been imposed in parts of France.
PTC News Desk: The Indian Embassy in Paris has issued an advisory for Indian nationals living in France and those planning to visit the country amid ongoing violent protests and clashes. Citizens have been urged to remain alert and avoid large gatherings and crowded areas.
The Embassy advised Indians to stay away from protest sites and public demonstrations, saying that localised curfews had been imposed in parts of France. It also asked citizens to follow instructions issued by French authorities.
The advisory urged Indians to monitor local news and official updates through the French government website, gouvernement.fr, and check for public transport disruptions on ratp.fr. The Indian Embassy in Paris and the Consulate General of India in Marseille have also shared dedicated helpline numbers for citizens requiring emergency assistance.
"In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution,” the advisory issued on Wednesday evening read.
The advisory comes as French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu promised a “massive” police deployment ahead of fresh demonstrations scheduled for October 24. The government has extended curfews and tightened security following several days of unrest linked to protests over rising living costs and deteriorating conditions in schools.
According to CBS News, the announcement followed an admission by Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez that authorities had underestimated the unrest and lost control in some cities during Saturday’s demonstrations.
Justice Minister GĂ©rald Darmanin said more than 2,500 people had been taken into police custody by Monday evening. The violence included the burning of a historic town hall in Limoges, along with widespread looting and damage to businesses.
Overnight curfews have been imposed around Paris’ Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district. Similar restrictions have been introduced in Lyon and other cities. Authorities extended the measures after Paris and Lyon reported no major incidents on Monday night.
In an address on Sunday, President Emmanuel Macron distinguished peaceful protesters from those involved in rioting and looting. He said the government would listen to protesters’ concerns while ensuring that those responsible for violence faced legal consequences.
The protests began in mid-September when high school students and teachers in Paris’ suburbs demanded action on overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school buildings and teacher shortages. The movement later expanded to include trade unions and Yellow Vest activists, developing into a nationwide campaign against rising living costs and declining public services.
The government has announced plans to deploy more than 3,000 substitute teachers to schools facing the greatest shortages and has authorised several hundred additional appointments. However, financial pressures and political divisions have complicated efforts to introduce broader reforms.
France’s public debt stood at nearly €3.6 trillion at the end of June, equivalent to 119% of its annual economic output, CBS News reported. The government expects the fiscal deficit to reach 5.4% of GDP this year and aims to reduce it to 5% in 2027.
Macron’s allies also lack a majority in Parliament, making it difficult for the government to secure support for major policy measures.