New Delhi, Oct 22 : The Indian Embassy in Paris has issued a safety advisory for Indian nationals residing in or travelling to France, urging them to remain vigilant and avoid protest sites amid ongoing unrest and localised curfews in several parts of the country.
The embassy advised Indian citizens to stay away from large gatherings and crowded places where demonstrations are taking place and follow instructions issued by French authorities.
“In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution,” the embassy said in the advisory accessed news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS).
It also urged citizens to monitor local news and official updates and check for possible disruptions to public transport services across French cities.
The embassy directed Indians to follow updates on the French government’s official website and check public transport advisories, including those issued by Paris transport operator RATP.
The Indian Embassy in Paris and the Consulate General of India in Marseille have also shared helpline contacts to assist Indian nationals in emergencies.
The advisory comes as the French government steps up security measures following days of violent unrest linked to protests over rising living costs, deteriorating school infrastructure and shortages of teachers.
The protests began in mid-September when high school students and teachers in the Paris suburbs demanded action on overcrowded classrooms, deteriorating school buildings and teacher shortages. The movement has since expanded to include trade unions and Yellow Vest activists, developing into a broader campaign against rising living costs and declining public services.
The government has announced plans to deploy more than 3,000 substitute teachers to schools facing the greatest shortages and authorised several hundred additional hires. However, financial pressures and political divisions have complicated efforts to introduce wider reforms.
France’s public debt stood at nearly 3.6 trillion euros at the end of June, equivalent to 119 per cent of its annual economic output, according to media reports. The government expects the fiscal deficit to reach 5.4 per cent of economic output this year and aims to bring it down to 5 per cent in 2027.
Macron’s allies also lack a parliamentary majority, making it difficult for the government to secure support for major policy measures. (KNS)
