Protesters march during a demonstration in Marseille, southern France. France's government is unfurling massively ramped-up security measures for a fresh blast of marches and strikes against unpopular pension reforms.
NEW DELHI: The Indian embassy in France on Wednesday issued a safety advisory for Indian nationals living in or travelling to the country, urging them to remain vigilant amid ongoing protests, violent clashes and localised curfews. It asked citizens to avoid crowded places where demonstrations are taking place and follow instructions issued by French authorities.The embassy also advised Indians to monitor local news, check official government updates and stay informed about public transport disruptions. It shared emergency contact details for the Embassy of India in Paris and the Consulate General of India in Marseille."In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution. Please avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, and follow the instructions and advisories issued by the local French authorities," the embassy said in a statement on X.
It also urged travellers to check updates on the French government's website and the Paris public transport operator RATP's website.Indian nationals can contact the Embassy of India in Paris at +33648340063 or email cons.paris@mea.gov.in in an emergency.
They can also contact the Consulate General of India in Marseille at +33743162559 or email go.marseille@mea.gov.in.
France prepares for fresh demonstrations
The advisory comes as France prepares for another round of demonstrations scheduled for Saturday, October 24, following riots that caused widespread destruction and led to thousands of arrests on October 17, Xinhua news agency reported.French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that the government would use all available legal tools to prevent a recurrence of the violence. He was speaking to journalists during a visit to Qatar, according to French television channel BFM TV.Macron said declaring a state of emergency was not necessary at this stage, although the government could consider the measure later if required.
French authorities have imposed targeted curfews in several cities following the October 17 riots. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday that the measures had helped maintain calm overnight on Monday.France interior minister Laurent Nunez also said the government would deploy soldiers from the Army's Operation Sentinelle to help prevent violence during Saturday's demonstrations.
Protests fuelled by cost-of-living concerns
The unrest began in late September 2026 amid concerns over poor school conditions and teacher shortages. The movement subsequently expanded into nationwide anti-government demonstrations, driven by rising living costs, high fuel prices, public sector budget cuts and discontent with Macron's administration.While most youth-led demonstrations have been peaceful, violence has broken out on the sidelines of protests in several European countries, including France, Spain and Albania.
Vijaya Srivastava is a journalist and feature writer whose expertise lies in covering human-centred developments. Her stories explore how policy, technology, economic shifts and social change influence people's everyday lives. Her work also focuses on bringing depth, context and a human perspective to complex issues. Her reports primarily cover society, healthcare, safety, public policy and emerging trends, alongside other political developments.