To prevent a return to violent unrest during Saturday’s protests, France will deploy 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country. Elite units specializing in counterterrorism operations and hostage rescue will also be part of the mobilization.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez linked the increased security measures to serious violence, looting and arson in several cities, including Paris, Marseille and Lyon. The town hall in Limoges was also set on fire, causing considerable damage.
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Nuñez stressed that this was not a peaceful, friendly demonstration and warned that any acts of violence would be met with a tough response.
Alongside the increased deployment of personnel, the public-order plan calls for armored vehicles, water cannons, mounted police, helicopters and drones. The minister said the number of officers deployed would be around 10,000 higher than last week.
Authorities have restricted protests in several cities. Social tensions are being fueled by the rising cost of living, difficulties in education and dissatisfaction with the quality of public services.
A trade union march has been approved in the capital, but only along the route connecting Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. Protests requested by the student union UNEF and the Yellow Vests movement have not been authorized.
Lyon, along with other cities, will also have restrictions on gatherings. In Paris, several major cultural institutions, including the Louvre Museum, have announced they will remain closed for security reasons.
The French government aims to avert a new wave of violence as rising tensions increase pressure on President Emmanuel Macron. These developments come around six months before next year’s presidential election.
Authorities have urged citizens to obey the law and warned that anyone who commits violence, looting or property damage will face severe penalties.
