France Mobilizes 70,000 Police Officers in Preparation for Saturday Protests
Exceptional security mobilization in France to address expected protests amid fears of violence.
Translated by Qiyas from القبس — Original source
France is preparing for a new wave of protests on Saturday, against the backdrop of public anger over the high cost of living and widening social inequalities, amid fears of a resurgence of violence coinciding with Halloween celebrations. This has prompted authorities to deploy around 70,000 police and gendarmes across the country. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned on Thursday that the anticipated Saturday demonstrations carry a “very high risk of public order disturbances,” vowing to deal firmly with any excesses, amid renewed calls from the “Yellow Vests” movement and student unions to take to the streets.
These preparations follow weeks of protests that peaked on October 17, when French cities witnessed riots, looting, and vandalism targeting shops and public property, before clashes re-emerged in some areas during last Saturday’s demonstrations. Interior Ministry estimates suggest that participation in Saturday’s protests could be similar to that recorded on October 24, prompting authorities to maintain an exceptional security presence and tighten preventive measures to avoid a recurrence of violence.
According to the plan presented by Nunez, demonstrations will be permitted in areas on the outskirts of cities, with restrictions imposed on gatherings at sensitive sites. Organizers will be required to provide adequate security arrangements to maintain order and prevent excesses.
