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October 17 Demonstration: Expected Disruptions in Paris

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The Editor

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This Saturday, October 17th, a new day of mobilization is planned in the capital, this time bringing together student demands, the yellow vests movement, taxi drivers, and after-school programs. A general gathering to fight rising costs of living, which could create quite a few disruptions throughout the city.

The weekend is shaping up to be eventful in the capital once again. Between angry high school students gearing up for act VI, yellow vests ready to mobilize again, and calls for strikes in the ride-sharing sector, among other things, several groups are affected. Given the scale of the gathering and the various routes announced, a number of disruptions are expected in the capital.


The suspense is at its peak

Well, unfortunately folks, we would have loved to be clearer with you, but for now, all we really know about this protest is that we don't know much. Indeed, the organizers had proposed a march

ranging from Place de la République to Concorde, the police prefecture rejected this route, citing «serious risks of public disorder». An alternative itinerary connecting République to Nation — the classic protest march route — has so far been turned down by organizers. The situation is all the more delicate as several processions are planned (one for the yellow vests, one for high school students, one combining both causes…). Currently, the various routes being considered are Clichy-République, République-Nation, or even Opéra-Bastille.


What disruptions?

Faced with this uncertainty, the RATP and the Paris police prefecture are unable to announce which stations will be closed for the day. These should be announced this Friday, October 16th in the evening, or tomorrow morning. However, given how events are unfolding, we can already say with almost 100% certainty that the area around République should not be accessible, as the square is a central gathering point for most of the routes. Line 2 could also experience some disruptions (before its closure next week), as well as the areas around Nation and Bastille. Circulation restrictions are also expected for cars and

motorcycles, here again depending on the route chosen. In any case, we wish lots of courage to the protesters and others, and we give our full support to the high school students.