Today, Thursday, two stories dominate the day: the arrival of Storm Austen, which will severely disrupt transport in the northwest, and preparations for fresh social protests this weekend. Here is what you need to know, particularly for getting around and dealing with official business.
【Storm Austen: fierce winds and disrupted rail traffic】
The first storm of autumn, named Austen, is expected to hit northwest France from Thursday night into Friday. According to Le Figaro, it is a "weather bomb", with winds described as "violent" and reaching up to 130 km/h. Falling trees and transport disruption are a risk.
A direct consequence for your travel: rail traffic will be disrupted in the Nord and Nord-Ouest from Friday morning. According to France Info, several lines in Bretagne, Normandie and Hauts-de-France will be slowed or suspended.
If you need to travel by train to these regions on Friday, check your line's status before setting out and plan alternatives. Gusts can also make driving difficult, so limit your travel during the peak of the storm.
Read on Le Figaro · Read on France Info
【Rent: controls renewed for two years, with no expansion】
Good news for tenants in the affected areas: the Sénat adopted, by 325 votes to 17, a Socialist Party bill renewing rent controls for two years in the 71 cities already piloting the scheme. According to Le Monde, however, the scheme will neither be extended to new cities nor strengthened.
The text must still return to the Assemblée nationale before the November 24 deadline. If you rent a home in one of these cities, the current rent caps therefore remain in force pending the final vote.
【Severe weather: three dead in Bouches-du-Rhône】
The death toll from the severe weather has risen in Bouches-du-Rhône: the prefecture now reports three dead. According to Le Figaro, firefighters said two women, aged 86 and 26, were found drowned in a cellar in Lançon-Provence. On Tuesday, a 75-year-old man swept away by the floodwaters had been found dead in Istres.
These events are a reminder of the importance of avoiding cellars and basements during heavy rain, and never venturing onto a flooded road.
【October 24 protests: bans and calls for strikes】
New social protests are planned for Saturday, October 24, amid tensions. According to Le Figaro, the government has already banned demonstrations on Thursday and Saturday in several cities, including Toulon, Rouen and Le Havre. Several student gatherings planned for Thursday have also been banned, including in Lyon and Paris.
The unions received at Matignon on Wednesday morning remain dissatisfied. According to France Info, Sophie Binet of the CGT condemns the lack of concrete measures and calls for a general strike on November 5. Bastien Bonnargent, general secretary of the Jeunes communistes, announced that the organization would take part in the protests, but only through "organized, secure gatherings staffed by stewards". Jonas Haddad, spokesperson for the Républicains, accuses Bonnargent of being "in the most absolute denial of what has struck all French people".
If you live or work near gathering areas, stay alert to announcements from the prefecture and possible transport closures.
Read on Le Figaro · Read on France Info · Read on France Info
【Overseas territories: protests against the high cost of living too】
Social unrest is not confined to mainland France. According to France Info, many gatherings are also being organized in the overseas departments and territories, alongside the protests on the mainland. These movements focus in particular on the high cost of living, with action in high schools and, in some cases, violence.
【After looting, shopkeepers organize to defend themselves】
After the riots and looting on October 17, many shopkeepers are struggling to get back to work. According to France Info, several are now trying to protect their businesses by their own means: barricades, tear gas, or even hiring a guard-dog handler.
These accounts illustrate the persistent anxiety in some of the affected neighborhoods. For shopkeepers and local residents, the priority remains securing the premises, while awaiting possible aid or support schemes.