France Mobilizes 70,000 Officers to Secure Second Wave of Marches
Security forces were deployed nationwide to prevent a repeat of widespread damage recorded during the previous week's events.
By Imani Brooks ·
France is experiencing a significant escalation in civil unrest as authorities seek to manage large-scale demonstrations across multiple cities.
Government officials have mobilized over 70,000 police officers and gendarmes to secure public spaces, a decision aimed at preventing a recurrence of the widespread destruction seen on October 17. During those earlier events, significant looting and vandalism occurred, resulting in damage to thousands of businesses and more than 2,000 detentions. Despite this heavy security presence, police reported that the situation remained generally calm by early afternoon, with at least 135 arrests made nationwide and weapons seized. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez noted that officer numbers were 20 percent higher than the previous weekend.
In Paris, organizers were restricted to a single permitted route along the southeastern edge of the city, bypassing the originally planned itinerary through the center. This limitation angered some participants, including a retired public education worker who suggested the route change was intended to make the movement invisible. Protests organized by groups other than unions were also prohibited. Marchers, comprising students, teachers, ecologists, nurses, and union representatives, continued to demonstrate for causes including school conditions and the rising cost of living.
Significant disruptions affected the capital's commercial and cultural sectors. At least 24 metro stations were closed at the request of the police prefecture, and many businesses shuttered their windows or hired private security. Cultural institutions such as the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay closed for the day, while Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program.
Tensions were particularly high in Lyon, where police used tear gas to disperse about 150 demonstrators. Protests were also banned in the downtown areas of several cities including Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice, though a union march in Marseille was authorized under strict conditions.
The current wave of unrest began in mid-September when high school students blockaded schools over dilapidated buildings, teacher shortages, and university admissions policies. Following a meeting with student representatives on Friday, President Emmanuel Macron promised to add teachers and overhaul the Parcoursup system. However, students indicated they would continue mobilizing until the government delivers concrete actions, and the Yellow Vest movement has scheduled a protest for October 31.
This turmoil unfolds approximately six months ahead of a pivotal presidential election. President Macron is barred from a third consecutive term and is due to leave office in 2027. Marine Le Pen currently leads recent polls by a wide margin, and her National Rally party is holding a congress in Orleans to begin its campaign, with authorities expecting thousands of counter-demonstrators.
Source: Al Jazeera
