The Paris police prefecture banned the Bastille-Concorde route initially planned for the inter-union demonstration on Thursday, November 5th. However, authorities authorized the gathering on an alternative route, linking Place de la République to Place de la Nation via Boulevard Voltaire. This decision, announced less than 24 hours before the planned demonstration, comes after several days of disagreement between the unions and the authorities regarding the march's route.
Bastille-Concorde closed, République-Nation open from 14pm to 19pm
In its order, the police prefecture refused to authorize the route submitted by the inter-union group on October 21, which planned a departure from the Place de la Bastille and an arrival at the Place de la Concorde, in the heart of Paris.
The authorities nevertheless specified that "the demonstration can take place on November 5 from 14 p.m. to 19 p.m. between Place de la République and Place de la Nation, using Boulevard Voltaire."
The demonstration is therefore not banned in its entirety. The prefectural decision concerns the route initially requested by the unions, which has been replaced by a route located in the east of the capital. Demonstrators will thus be able to march between République and Nation, provided they comply with the conditions set out in the decree.
The unions had already taken legal action.
The disagreement between the unions and the police prefecture had begun several days before the decree was published. The inter-union group had declared its Bastille-Concorde route as early as October 21, but the authorities had not given their approval.
Faced with this situation, representatives of the CFDT , CGT, FO, FSU, Solidaires and UNEF initiated summary proceedings before the Paris Administrative Court on Tuesday.
Chirinne Ardakani, the UNEF's lawyer, announced this action, denouncing the prefecture's refusal to acknowledge the declared route. The unions specifically requested that any ban be published early enough to allow for an appeal to the administrative courts.
Marion Ogier, the lawyer for Solidaires, also denounced the uncertainty surrounding the authorities' intentions. The organizers did not know at the time whether the demonstration would be completely banned or if they would be given an alternative route.
A hearing had been scheduled for Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. before the administrative court. The publication of the prefectural decree has now clarified the authorities' position: the Bastille-Concorde route is prohibited, while the République-Nation route is authorized.
Restrictions following the violence of October 17
This decision was made amid tensions surrounding the organization of demonstrations in Paris. Since the violence and damage committed during previous mobilizations , the authorities have tightened their control over the routes taken by the marches.
The day of October 17th was marked by clashes, looting, and vandalism in several French cities. In Paris, the demonstrations organized on October 24th and 31st had already been subject to restrictions, with routes diverted away from certain areas of the city center.
Trade unions are contesting these restrictions, arguing that they infringe on the right to protest. The authorities, for their part, cite the need to maintain public order and protect people and property.
The choice of Boulevard Voltaire allows the procession to link two major Parisian squares without taking the Bastille-Concorde route, which crosses part of the center of Paris.
A day of interprofessional strike action will continue on Thursday
The mobilization on Thursday, November 5th, remains organized at the call of several trade unions, notably the CGT, CFDT, FO, Unsa and FSU. It is expected to bring together private sector employees, civil servants, students and retirees.
The change of route concerns the Parisian demonstration and does not, in itself, invalidate the strike calls issued for that day. Disruptions are also expected in public transport, particularly on some Parisian rail lines.
In Paris, the impact on traffic is expected to primarily affect the area around Place de la République, Boulevard Voltaire, and Place de la Nation, between 14 p.m. and 19 p.m. Temporary traffic restrictions and possible closures of public transport access may accompany the passage of the procession.
The demonstrators are therefore expected this Thursday from 14 p.m. at Place de la République, with an expected arrival at Place de la Nation. The Bastille-Concorde route, declared by the unions two weeks ago, remains prohibited by the police prefecture.
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