French PM to hold talks with party leaders with security Issues on the agenda

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will host representatives of France's political parties for talks on Thursday, October 22, amid protests that have been accompanied by violence and looting, France 24 reports.

The PM, who is also due to meet with trade unions, has indicated that “security during the presidential campaign” will be on the agenda for Thursday's talks.

Far-right National Rally (RN) leaders Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella have already said they will not attend and will send representatives instead.

The hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) is yet to give an official response.

According to media reports, the coordinating group behind the protests in France announced a second phase of demonstrations, scheduled for October 24 and 31.