Live: French PM Lecornu to meet with unions ahead of new protests

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is set to meet with representatives from five unions on Wednesday to discuss security measures and ensure the right to protest. France's economy, the eurozone's second-largest, experienced its worst riots in recent years over the past week, leading to curfews and arrests. The unrest was sparked by rising living costs and plans for more protests are already in motion, including one organized by the Yellow Vest movement and high school students on Saturday, and another on November 5 by labor unions.

Images of clashes, looting, and burning buildings have prompted travel advisories from several countries, including the United States, China, and Germany. Prime Minister Lecornu admitted that the security response had been inadequate and pledged a more robust approach ahead of the upcoming protests, which he described as massive. Lawmakers in Paris have implemented nighttime curfews in key areas, and further curfews are expected to be imposed as needed.

The unrest has drawn criticism from various political parties, with far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen suggesting it exposed a profound crisis of authority. Recent polls indicate Le Pen leading in first-round presidential voting intentions, while far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon is seen as the strongest candidate for the runoff. In response to the unrest, a parliamentary inquiry has been launched to examine potential intelligence failures, policing tactics, and government preparedness.

The government's ability to control spending has come under scrutiny, leading to a decline in French debt as investors become increasingly doubtful of the government's ability to rein in expenditures. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez had offered to resign due to claims that police had lost control during the unrest, but his resignation was rejected by Prime Minister Macron.

Other European countries have also witnessed demonstrations over rising prices, with smaller clashes occurring in Milan and Belgium. US President Donald Trump has leveraged the unrest in France to fuel his anti-immigration and anti-Islam rhetoric, amid his party's struggles in upcoming midterm elections.