New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): The Embassy of India in Paris has issued a safety advisory for Indian nationals living in or visiting France as unrest, demonstrations and localised curfews continue to affect several parts of the country.
In its advisory, the Embassy called on citizens to remain alert, avoid areas witnessing protests and comply with instructions issued by French authorities. It also cautioned against visiting crowded locations where demonstrations could escalate into violence.
The Embassy urged Indians to keep track of developments through official sources and prepare for possible disruptions to public transport. Citizens were advised to consult the French government’s official website, gouvernement.fr, for updates and RATP’s website, ratp.fr, for information on transport services.
For those requiring urgent assistance, the Embassy in Paris and the Consulate General of India in Marseille have provided dedicated helpline contacts.
French authorities step up security ahead of fresh protests
The advisory comes as French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has pledged a large-scale police deployment ahead of further demonstrations expected on October 24. The government has also extended curfew measures in affected areas and strengthened security arrangements following several days of unrest.
According to CBS News, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged that authorities had underestimated the scale of the disturbances, with police losing control of the situation in some cities during Saturday’s demonstrations.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said more than 2,500 people had been taken into police custody by Monday evening. The violence reportedly included the burning of a historic town hall in Limoges, alongside looting and damage to commercial establishments.
Restrictions have been introduced in parts of Paris, including the areas around Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district. Lyon and several other cities have also imposed curfews. Authorities opted to continue the measures despite reports of a relatively calm night in Paris and Lyon on Monday.
Macron promises action against violence
President Emmanuel Macron, addressing the country on Sunday, drew a distinction between peaceful protesters and those involved in vandalism and looting. He said the government would hear the demonstrators’ grievances while ensuring that individuals responsible for violent acts faced legal consequences.
The protests first emerged in mid-September, when students and teachers in the suburbs of Paris raised concerns about overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school infrastructure and shortages of teachers.
The movement has since widened, drawing support from trade unions and Yellow Vest activists. Rising living costs and concerns over declining public services have become central issues, turning the demonstrations into a broader challenge for the government.
In response to concerns about education, the government has announced plans to deploy more than 3,000 substitute teachers to schools facing the greatest shortages. It has also authorised several hundred additional appointments. However, budgetary constraints and political divisions have complicated efforts to implement broader reforms.
Economic pressures add to political challenges
France is also confronting mounting fiscal pressures. CBS News reported that the country’s public debt reached nearly 3.6 trillion euros at the end of June, equivalent to 119 per cent of annual economic output.
The government expects the budget deficit to reach 5.4 per cent of gross domestic product this year, with a target of bringing it down to 5 per cent by 2027.
Political uncertainty presents another obstacle. Macron’s allies do not hold a parliamentary majority, making it harder for the government to secure backing for major policy changes.
As demonstrations continue and security restrictions remain in place, the Indian Embassy’s advisory underscores the importance of staying informed and following local instructions. Indian nationals in France are advised to avoid protest-hit areas, check transport updates before travelling and contact the relevant Indian diplomatic mission if they require emergency assistance.
