France is preparing for a significant security operation in response to renewed protests planned for Saturday, with the government announcing plans to deploy troops alongside police to prevent further unrest. The decision follows widespread riots and looting across multiple cities last weekend, including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu described the upcoming deployment as "massive," emphasizing the urgency of restoring public order after the violent episodes on October 17. The disturbances, which involved clashes between demonstrators and security forces, caused alarm due to their scale and the apparent challenges police faced in containing the situation.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that the military would support law enforcement efforts in the upcoming security measures. He also acknowledged errors in the government's initial response, including failures in intelligence gathering and insufficient police mobility, compounded by the decision not to cancel planned police leave during the period. Nunez expressed regret for these shortcomings, taking responsibility for the lapses.
Authorities have implemented targeted curfews in affected areas, some restricting the movement of minors under 18, measures that have been extended through Tuesday night. These restrictions coincided with a relatively calm night following the early days of unrest.
The government framed the crisis as a confrontation between state authority and violent elements, with Prime Minister Lecornu attributing the violence primarily to far-left groups. Meanwhile, some protesters and opposition voices argue that the demonstrations reflect widespread public discontent over rising living costs and the perceived decline of public services.
The disturbances have heightened political tensions ahead of next year’s presidential elections, where candidates from both the far right and hard left currently show strong polling numbers. The unrest also echoes broader concerns across Europe, as countries like Italy and Albania experience similar protests linked to economic strain and social grievances.
In response to the turmoil, the French parliament is establishing a commission of inquiry to investigate the causes of the unrest. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have assigned 200 investigators to pursue individuals involved in violent acts during the riots.
On Tuesday, police arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for setting fire to the historic town hall in the central city of Limoges. Officials noted that the individual, affiliated with an ultra-left group, was already under surveillance prior to the incident.