France and Italy are facing renewed unrest over living costs and fuel prices, with planned demonstrations in France prompting heightened security measures and truck drivers in southern Italy staging road blockades.
France’s minister delegate to the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger, said on Thursday that authorities were maintaining a “maximum level of vigilance” ahead of nationwide demonstrations planned for October 24.
“We are at a maximum level of vigilance,” Berger told broadcaster BFMTV, adding that the government “absolutely rules nothing out” in the coming days and weeks, including bans on gatherings and cultural or sporting events if deemed necessary.
Security force deployments on Saturday will be 20 percent higher than on October 17, Berger said.
Authorities have cancelled leave and recalled personnel, while Sentinelle forces and specialist units, including GIGN and RAID, will also be deployed.
The announcement follows protests on October 17 over the cost of living and fuel prices, involving Yellow Vest demonstrators and students.
Authorities reported damage to businesses and public buildings, leading to localised curfews in several cities.
French President Emmanuel Macron summoned intelligence services to the Elysee Palace for a security meeting following criticism over their failure to anticipate the October 17 mobilisation. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and relevant ministers also attended.
Further demonstrations are planned for October 24, while unions have called for a nationwide strike and protest day on November 5.
As of noon on Tuesday, 149 people had been jailed, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said. Authorities had previously reported that 2,513 people had been taken into custody and around 50 judicial investigations had been opened.
Italy truckers block roads over diesel prices
In Italy, protests by truck drivers against high diesel prices spread across the south on Thursday, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the supply of goods, according to ANSA news agency.
Some drivers have suspended their protests, but truckers in Gela, in Sicily’s Caltanissetta province, have maintained their blockade. Dozens of heavy vehicles remained stationary at a roundabout on the SS 117 bis Gela-Catania road at the town’s entrance.
“We will continue until there are concrete results. Announcements are of no use to us,” the truck drivers said, describing their parked vehicles as representing their livelihoods and work.
The mayors of Naples and Bari have reportedly warned that their cities could face paralysis if the protests continue.
Interior minister Matteo Piantedosi has urged prefects and police chiefs to monitor possible “criminal infiltration” of the protests, according to reports.
The interior ministry is also expected to safeguard supplies of essential goods, while police are prepared to escort truck drivers who request assistance.
The government is preparing a decree combining support for the road transport sector with funding for agriculture. The measure was scheduled to be examined by the Council of Ministers on Thursday.
In Italy, more than 100,000 people have taken part in demonstrations across Rome, Milan, Bologna and other cities since October 17. Italian police have arrested 28 people, including 12 minors, as protests turned violent, while 141 law enforcement officers were injured.
