October 17 protests in Pyrénées-Atlantiques: What to expect

A national day of protest on Saturday, October 17, dubbed the "return of the gilets jaunes," will see numerous demonstrations across France, including multiple gatherings planned in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department. In Pau, an "escargot" slow-driving operation starts at 10 am from Place Verdun, followed by a general assembly and a march at 11 am, while a motorway exit blockade is planned at Artix from 5 am. In the Basque country, actions include toll blockades at Bayonne-Sud, gatherings at Bayonne's Chane Terminal and Place Sainte-Ursule, a Biarritz town hall rally, and a freight center blockade at Mouguerre. The protests are backed by unions like CGT and Solidaires, political parties, and student groups, with additional actions in Landes and Hautes-Pyrénées. Authorities anticipate potential unrest, with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warning of "firm and immediate intervention" against any lasting blockades or disturbances.