As France prepares for another series of protests against rising living costs and deteriorating school conditions, the nation’s approach to public demonstrations is coming under scrutiny. With over 70,000 police officers deployed, authorities are on high alert to prevent the unrest witnessed in previous gatherings, which saw a mix of peaceful protests and alarming violence. This dynamic reflects not only the growing discontent among citizens but also the delicate balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding the right to protest.
Paris, France – More than 70,000 police officers and gendarmes are set to be deployed across France as the country braces for a new round of protests against deteriorating school conditions and the rising cost of living. French authorities have signaled their determination to prevent Saturday’s demonstrations from descending into the violence that erupted last weekend.
On October 17, protests that had been largely peaceful were marred by widespread looting, vandalism, and clashes, resulting in significant damage to thousands of businesses. More than 2,000 individuals were taken into police custody, according to official figures. In response, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced an increase in deployment, with 20 percent more officers than the previous weekend.
The operation will also involve RAID, an elite police unit typically charged with counterterrorism and high-risk interventions, although Nunez clarified that they would not directly engage in crowd control but would support regular police operations.
Authorities have adopted a highly restrictive approach to demonstrations scheduled for Saturday. President Emmanuel Macron stated that requests to protest from trade unions would be assessed by local authorities, while demonstrations organized by other groups would face prohibitions whenever possible. In cities such as Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice, protests have been barred in central areas; in Lyon, demonstrations are prohibited altogether, while Marseille has authorized a union-led march under strict conditions.
In Paris, a coalition of unions plans to lead a march from Porte d’Italie to Porte de Vincennes, following the banning of the previously negotiated route between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. This prohibition has sparked outrage among rights groups. Amnesty International France criticized the situation, asserting that “this security escalation comes at the expense of our freedoms, seriously endangering the right to demonstrate peacefully and raising fears of further violence in our country.”
In preparation for the protests, businesses in central Paris have shuttered their doors and fortified windows, with some retailers hiring private security. Authorities closed at least 24 metro stations at the request of the police prefecture, while major cultural institutions, including the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay, announced closures for the day, alongside Art Basel Paris, which canceled its weekend programming.
On Friday, President Macron met representatives from the student movement for the first time since protests began, promising increased staffing in schools and a comprehensive overhaul of the Parcoursup admission system for universities. However, tensions remained high as student leaders called for intensified mobilization until tangible actions are implemented.
The protests, which began in mid-September, were initially prompted by high school students blockading their schools due to deteriorating facilities, teacher shortages, and perceived inequities in the higher education access system. The movement has since evolved into a larger expression of frustration regarding living costs, inequality, and dissatisfaction with Macron’s presidency.
On October 17, over half a million people took to the streets in response to calls from student organizations and factions of the Yellow Vest movement. The unrest unfolds as France approaches a pivotal presidential election set for the next six months, with Macron constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term, potentially laying the groundwork for electoral shifts.
The violence linked to protests has reignited public discourse around the far right, particularly Marine Le Pen, who has long campaigned on a platform of restoring law and order. Recent polling suggests she is a leading contender, priming the political landscape for heightened tensions during her party’s congress in Orleans, coinciding with anticipated counter-demonstrations projected to attract 20,000 to 30,000 participants.
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