France is bracing for widespread unrest as the country’s leading student union, the National Union of Students of France (UNEF), called for major nationwide rallies and demonstrations. The protests target the escalating cost of living, declining public service quality, and severe teacher shortages in educational institutions. Additionally, France’s main opposition party announced plans for a large assembly in the central city of Orléans late next week.
In response to growing social discontent and online calls for violent disruptions, the French Ministry of the Interior announced the deployment of 70,000 police and security personnel across Paris and other major cities to maintain law and order.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated at a news conference in Paris: “Calls for violence and looting are circulating on social media. Seventy thousand security personnel will be deployed in the field on Saturday to maintain order.” Authorities have banned demonstrations in the southeastern city of Lyon, while specific marching routes have been designated for approved rallies in Paris.
The world-famous Louvre Museum and several major tourist sites in Paris will remain completely closed on Saturday for safety reasons. The Art Basel fair in Paris will also conclude earlier than originally scheduled.
Due to the volatile domestic situation, French President Emmanuel Macron postponed his state visits to Nigeria and Senegal, which were scheduled for late October. Macron convened an emergency Defense Council meeting with top ministers and military officials, and his administration announced plans to meet directly with student representatives for the first time.
The French Ministry of Justice reported that 217 individuals have been jailed in connection with the violence and looting that occurred on October 17, noting that half of those detained had no prior criminal record.
