France is preparing a major police deployment for renewed nationwide protests on 24 October, as President Emmanuel Macron pledged to prevent further violence following days of unrest.
The government's security plans include targeted curfews, restrictions on gatherings and the reassignment of military personnel to protect sensitive sites, freeing police for crowd control.
Speaking in Doha on 21 October, Macron said people attempting to disrupt demonstrations would be stopped, while acknowledging public anger over rising living costs and pressure on public services.
He said authorities would use all measures available under French law to restore order without declaring a national state of emergency.
The preparations follow widespread rioting on 17 October, when demonstrations over fuel prices, education funding and declining purchasing power were accompanied by clashes with police, attacks on public buildings and widespread looting.
More than half a million people joined demonstrations across France, although much of the mobilisation was peaceful.
Security measures ahead of Saturday
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised a substantial police operation to prevent a repeat of the violence.
Paris authorities have introduced overnight curfews around Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district, two areas affected by the disturbances.
Similar restrictions have been imposed in other cities. Lyon introduced an overnight curfew in its city centre, while Marseille restricted the movement of unaccompanied minors during designated hours.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said soldiers assigned to France's Sentinelle counterterrorism operation would help secure important locations, allowing additional police officers and gendarmes to manage demonstrations.
Macron also announced that he would meet intelligence chiefs and senior ministers on 22 October to review the security failures and preparations for further protests.
The government has acknowledged that police lost control in several cities during the earlier unrest.
Nuñez offered his resignation following criticism of the authorities' response, but the president declined to accept it.
Thousands arrested after weekend violence
French authorities have arrested at least 2,500 people following the disturbances, according to figures reported on 21 October.
By 20 October, more than 800 suspects had been referred to prosecutors, while 149 people had been jailed, according to figures reported by the Associated Press.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has called for firm judicial action against those responsible for looting, arson and attacks on public property.
In Lille, three men without previous criminal convictions received prison sentences of 10 months each for looting a video game shop.
The National Assembly has also announced an inquiry into the violence and the police response, with findings expected before the end of the year.
Protest organisers press economic demands
The Yellow Vest movement, which emerged in 2018 during protests against fuel taxes and economic inequality, has submitted plans for another march through central Paris.
Student organisations are preparing demonstrations demanding increased education funding, additional teachers and improvements to school facilities.
Trade unions have also called for a nationwide strike on 5 November following talks with Lecornu that failed to produce an agreement on their demands.
Union representatives argue that stronger policing will not address the economic conditions behind the protests, including high fuel prices and the cost of essential goods.
The government faces pressure to respond while attempting to manage France's large public debt and its proposed 2027 budget.
Macron rejects foreign criticism
Macron also criticised foreign political leaders who had used the unrest to make claims about immigration and public disorder in France.
Without naming individual leaders, he condemned what he described as misleading accounts and manipulated images circulating internationally, including material generated using artificial intelligence.
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had linked the unrest to immigration and Islamist extremism, claims that French officials disputed.
Macron said there was no evidence of direct foreign involvement in the demonstrations, while accusing outside actors of exploiting misleading information about the violence.
The next major demonstrations are scheduled for 24 October, with a separate nationwide strike planned for 5 November.
