Aditya DidwaniyaMore than 20 Paris metro stations closed Saturday morning as France braces for fresh mass protests over living costs and education, transport operator RATP announced.
Paris shut down more than 20 metro stations on Saturday morning ahead of expected mass protests across the city. The autonomous Paris transport agency RATP shared the news.
Why the Stations Are Closing
France will see fresh mass demonstrations this Saturday. Unions, schoolchildren, students, and the “yellow vests” movement plan to join the marches. They are protesting rising living costs and a worsening education system.
What RATP Announced
RATP posted the closure notice on its website. The agency stated: “At the request of the police prefecture and for safety reasons, the following stations will close on Saturday, October 24, from 9 a.m.” (10:00 Moscow time, editor’s note).
Which Stations Are Affected
RATP listed the Paris metro stations closed this weekend, and many sit right in the heart of the city. The agency also warned riders about possible delays on several other lines.
Famous Museums Join the Shutdown
Paris museums, including the Louvre, will also close their doors on Saturday. The closures come as France braces for large scale protests nationwide.
How the Protests Started
The unrest began in mid September. High school students in Paris suburbs first took to the streets. They demanded better conditions in their schools. People angry over rising prices soon joined them, and the protests spread to other regions of France.
A Record Turnout on October 17
The biggest demonstration so far happened on October 17. Roughly 550,000 people took part nationwide, the Interior Ministry reported. French police used tear gas, stun grenades, and water cannons against the crowds.
Officials Promise a Tough Response
France’s Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, earlier vowed an extremely firm response to any new unrest. His warning came just days before this weekend’s fresh wave of protests.
Akshay Didwaniya
Mayur Mohta