New French protests focus on children and police

France is witnessing a series of protests focused on children's rights and police reforms, with around 146,000 people participating in demonstrations across the country last week. The protests, which are taking place on a weekly basis, are primarily driven by the Yellow Vest movement alongside high-school students, unions, and other activists. The demonstrations are a response to various issues, including inflation and opposition to a new police bill that could grant police more protection in the use of weapons.

The bill, which is backed by the far-right National Rally party and presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen, has been met with criticism from activists and lawyers who argue that it amounts to a "licence to kill" and would make it even harder to hold security forces accountable. Some activists, including Claire Bourdille from a collective battling violence against children and teenagers, have highlighted the need for better protection for children against sexual abuse.

The protests have seen a mix of peaceful gatherings and instances of fringe violence, as well as accusations of police brutality. The largest protests in recent weeks occurred during a union-led strike last week, with over half a million people taking to the streets nationwide. However, activists are growing increasingly fatigued, with Karl Ghazi of the CGT union suggesting that Saturday's protest in Paris might be different due to this fatigue.