French authorities are preparing a significant security operation ahead of planned protests on Saturday, deploying approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide to prevent a recurrence of last weekend’s violent unrest. The demonstrations, which stemmed from widespread anger over the rising cost of living and deteriorating public services, drew large crowds including students, labor union members, and activists linked to the “yellow vest” movement. However, the protests quickly descended into mayhem, with widespread looting, arson, and clashes with law enforcement in several cities.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the expanded security measures on Friday, emphasizing a firm response to violence. Authorities plan to deploy elite police units, armored vehicles, helicopters, drones, mounted police, water cannons, and anti-drone systems as part of a highly mobile operation. Nuñez warned that calls for violence and looting had circulated on social media, particularly from hard-left groups, and said the government would be “uncompromising” toward those involved in criminal acts. More than 2,500 people were arrested and nearly 1,000 police officers injured during last week’s disturbances.
In response to the unstable security situation, several major cultural institutions in Paris, including the Louvre, Orsay, Picasso museums, and the Grand Palais, will remain closed on Saturday. The organizers of Art Basel Paris, a prestigious contemporary art fair held at the Grand Palais, canceled the weekend portion of their event due to safety concerns. Business groups have similarly urged shop owners to keep stores closed following the ransacking of more than 3,000 businesses last weekend.
Some cities, such as Lyon, Nice, Montpellier, Marseille, Rouen, Toulon, and Le Havre, have imposed bans on protests or restricted demonstrations in certain urban areas. In Paris, police have authorized only a union-led march organized by the CGT, one of France’s largest labor unions, allowing protesters to gather between the Bastille and Nation squares. Meanwhile, the student union UNEF and other groups have expressed intentions to proceed with demonstrations despite prohibitions. The far-left party France Unbowed criticized the government’s approach, accusing authorities of undermining civil liberties and escalating tensions through restrictive measures.
The government has also initiated cooperation with social media platforms such as Meta, TikTok, Snap, Reddit, Discord, and Google to suspend accounts inciting violence and looting. Approximately 50 such accounts have reportedly been removed.
Separately, authorities are closely monitoring an anticipated protest in Orléans, where about 20,000 participants are expected to rally against the far-right National Rally party, which is holding a two-day congress nearby. The event coincides with the party’s position as a leading contender in next year’s presidential election. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticized the protesters’ attempt to disrupt the congress but expressed confidence in local security arrangements.
President Emmanuel Macron met with security officials and plans to engage directly with representatives of high school students, whose demands for improvements in school conditions helped ignite the broader movement. Macron reportedly postponed upcoming trips to West Africa in light of the domestic crisis. Student representatives welcomed some government concessions on education reform but expressed skepticism and called for continued protests.
Overall, French authorities are emphasizing a strong law enforcement presence and preventative measures to contain the unrest, while protesters remain determined to voice their grievances amid rising socio-economic challenges.