French Security Forces: 70,000 Officers Deployed for Second Protest Wave
Police deployed a 20 percent larger force nationwide to manage demonstrations targeting school conditions and living costs, following the violent October 17 riots.
By Aiko Soto ·
French authorities deployed more than 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide on Saturday to manage a second wave of mass demonstrations. The deployment represents a 20 percent increase in personnel compared to the previous weekend, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez. The security buildup aims to prevent a repeat of the violent clashes that occurred on October 17.
Thousands of demonstrators marched through Paris under tight security. The route was restricted to the Boulevards des Marechaux, running from Porte d'Italie to Porte de Vincennes. Local authorities banned an originally negotiated central itinerary between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. Protests organized by groups other than unions were also prohibited in the capital.
The last-minute route change drew criticism from participants. Emma, a podcaster, described the move as a government tactic to drain energy from the movement. Monica, a retired public educator, said the restrictions made the authorities appear intent on making the movement invisible. Neither protester provided a surname.
Marchers in Paris included students, teachers, nurses, ecologists, and union representatives. Some groups chanted for President Emmanuel Macron to resign. One crowd shouted, "Too many billionaires; We are preparing the revolution," while another group chanted, "We are all anti-fascists."
Businesses in central Paris closed their doors and covered windows with protective panels. Some retailers hired private security guards. The police prefecture requested the closure of at least 24 metro stations. The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay closed for the day, and Art Basel Paris cancelled its weekend program.
By early Saturday afternoon, police reported at least 135 arrests nationwide. Officers seized various weapons while acknowledging the situation remained largely calm. Protests were banned in the downtown areas of Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice. In Lyon, police fired tear gas to disperse a group of about 150 demonstrators. A union march in Marseille proceeded under strict conditions.
The unrest began in mid-September when high school students blockaded schools over building conditions, teacher shortages, and the university admission system. On Friday, Macron met with student representatives for the first time. He promised additional teachers and a major overhaul of the Parcoursup admission platform. Students stated they would continue mobilizing until the government presents concrete actions. More than 500,000 people had protested on October 17.
The political context includes a presidential election scheduled for 2027. Macron is barred from a third consecutive term. Marine Le Pen leads recent polls by a wide margin. In Orleans, thousands of people shouted anti-fascist slogans as the National Rally held a party congress. Authorities expected 20,000 to 30,000 people to join a counter-demonstration in that city.
