Far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has expressed confidence in security arrangements for the National Rally party congress scheduled for this weekend in Orleans, despite warnings of widespread protests and potential unrest. The event, located about two hours south of Paris, will coincide with nationwide demonstrations organized by unions and left-wing groups opposing Le Pen and her agenda.
The congress, expected to draw roughly 10,000 supporters, will include a welcome function on Saturday and a series of speeches on Sunday, culminating in Le Pen’s uncontested re-election as the party’s presidential candidate. This marks her fourth run for the presidency, with recent polls putting her support near 34 percent, benefiting in part from her party’s strong focus on law and order following recent riots across French cities.
Tensions are rising as unions gear up for a rolling general strike set to begin November 5, demanding wage increases and higher public spending. Sophie Binet, general secretary of the hard-left General Confederation of Labour, signaled plans for continued strikes until the government accedes to their demands. The current level of social unrest is fueled by dissatisfaction over economic conditions and government policies, placing President Emmanuel Macron’s administration under heavy strain.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez disclosed that authorities are preparing a “very substantial security deployment” to manage the protests expected in and around Orleans. More than 50 groups and unions have registered counter-demonstrations specifically aimed at disrupting the National Rally’s event, with tens of thousands of participants anticipated near the Orleans city cathedral on Saturday. Nunez cautioned that some demonstrators might seek to confront or attack the party gathering, prompting plans for a significant security operation.
Security forces are already heavily engaged managing over 350 registered protests nationwide this weekend, including a "massive" police and military presence planned for Paris. Last weekend’s episodes of violence and looting across various French cities have heightened concerns, with government officials considering additional measures to restore order.
President Macron, speaking during a visit to Doha, said he has not ruled out declaring a state of emergency but emphasized the need for measured responses. “Everything that has allowed us to restore calm since Monday doesn’t require a state of emergency,” he said, while leaving the option open should conditions worsen.
The government has also announced financial support for businesses affected by recent unrest, offering zero-interest loans up to €50,000 for roughly 3,000 small enterprises. Additionally, 10,000 to 15,000 employees unable to work due to riot-related damage will receive 60 percent of their salaries funded by the state.
In Paris, security measures remain visible, with reinforced storefronts and repairs ongoing at sites damaged in riots. The atmosphere in the capital remains subdued, underscored by burned-out kiosks and ash lingering at protest hotspots such as Place de la République. The unfolding events this weekend are likely to play a decisive role in shaping the political and social landscape ahead of France’s upcoming presidential election.