PARIS — France’s interior minister reported more than 2,000 arrests and over 600 injured police officers following unrest, Reuters reported October 18.

Police again used tear gas at Place de la République on Sunday. Saturday’s demonstrations over living costs and public services included peaceful marchers as well as violent groups.

President Emmanuel Macron plans a national address at 8 p.m. Paris time, or 2 p.m. in Toronto. The address had not occurred when this article was prepared.

Canadian travel context

Canada’s existing France travel advice warns that demonstrations can disrupt roads and public transportation. It advises travellers to stay away from demonstrations, follow local authorities’ directions and consult local news.

The advisory page was last updated October 13. Its high-caution rating cites terrorism; TNC has not established a new Canadian advisory change in response to this weekend’s unrest.

Sources: Reuters via Internazionale, October 18; Government of Canada France travel advice, updated October 13.

Lead image: public-domain Flag of France via Wikimedia Commons, vector by SKopp. Geographic illustration, not a photograph of the unrest.