Lyon is gearing up for a day of strong mobilization this Thursday, September 18. A broad coalition of unions (CFDT, CGT, FO, CFE-CGC, CFTC, Unsa, FSU, Solidaires, CNT, CNT solidarity workers), supported by left-wing parties and the movement “Block Everything,” is expecting several thousand demonstrators to fill the streets. Authorities anticipate a gathering similar to that of September 10, where nearly 10,000 people marched.
The goal is clear: to create a significant moment in social protest. While the previous mobilization saw some disturbances along the route, this time the unions are counting on a declared path to keep the movement as organized as possible.
Route, timings, and (minor) disruptions to TCL services
The demonstration is set to start at 11 AM in front of the Manufacture des Tabacs, in the 8th district according to information shared by Actu Lyon. The procession will then take the Albert-Thomas course, followed by the Gambetta course until reaching Gabriel-Péri square. The demonstrators will cross the Rhône via the Guillotière bridge before heading to Antonin-Poncet square, with a dispersal planned at Bellecour square in early afternoon.
Several streets in the city center will be temporarily closed to traffic. The Rue de la Barre will notably be inaccessible to ensure the safety of the demonstrators and to ease police arrangements. As for disruptions expected on the TCL network, they should be quite light. While the metro is expected to run smoothly, tram line T1 will pass every 7 minutes, T2 every 6 minutes and 30 seconds, and T6 every 15 minutes, while line T7 will not be in operation. Regarding buses, several lines…s will not be insured: 86, S2, 165, 214, 215, 216, 217, 236, 237.
An Exceptional Security Setup
Authorities are concerned about the presence of 300 to 500 far-left vandals. Lyon is among the cities targeted by radical individuals likely to cause incidents. To prepare, the Rhône prefecture will deploy a massive security operation: 1,300 police officers and gendarmes will be mobilized.
Impressive resources will bolster security. The Centaurs, versatile armored vehicles of the national gendarmerie, will be deployed onto the streets alongside drones and a helicopter. The Metropolis plans to secure construction sites and clear glass silos along the procession to prevent them from being used as projectiles.
Source: Lyon News