France Deploys 70,000 Police and Armored Vehicles for Weekend Protests

▲ Intensifying Protests in France

France will deploy 70,000 police officers nationwide this weekend in response to anticipated large-scale protests.

According to AFP, Bloomberg, and France 24, French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said in a press conference on the 23rd (local time) that social media posts from radical far-left groups inciting violence and looting are already circulating, emphasizing that "we will take a firm stance against rioters and looters who commit violence."

Nunez made the remarks following a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, and top security officials.

He explained that elite counterterrorism units will help protect public facilities such as city halls, and that about 20 armored vehicles, 15 water cannons, helicopters, and drones will be deployed.

"There will be absolutely no compromise," Nunez stressed, adding, "We will decisively arrest (perpetrators of violence) and hold them legally accountable."

Thierry Clair, general secretary of the UNSA police union, told Bloomberg that a massive police operation would unfold not only in the capital of Paris but across all of France, stating, "Many have canceled their days off, and at least 75 percent of the police force will be mobilized."

Previously, President Macron stated that all protests except those by approved labor unions would be banned to prevent a recurrence of violence, and regional authorities have also issued protest bans.

Protests were banned this weekend in the southeastern city of Lyon, while marches in the capital, Paris, were restricted to limited routes around the Place de la Bastille and the eastern districts.

Authorities in Marseille initially announced a total ban on protests the previous day, but later stated they would exceptionally permit protests organized by regionally approved labor unions that day.

This has sparked criticism from leftist groups, students, and trade unions, as well as international human rights organizations.

Amnesty International criticized the move, saying it "endangers the right to peaceful protest and moves toward authoritarian practices."

Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI) and a presidential contender, criticized, "Civil liberties cannot become a bargaining chip for a government in turmoil. Banning protests, picking and choosing who has the right to protest, and imposing curfews at the regional level are crossing the line between authoritarianism and democracy one by one."

That afternoon, President Macron met directly with student representatives for the first time since student protests erupted over poor educational conditions to listen to their demands.

The student protests in France have served as a catalyst, expanding into demonstrations protesting a lack of public sector investment and high inflation.

Nathanael Combary, head of the student organization "Lycenne Renove," evaluated that President Macron showed a listening attitude, but noted that students are awaiting the government measures to come out during a meeting with Prime Minister Lecornu on the 26th.

"We are not satisfied," Combary said, urging students to continue joining the protests.

President Macron has postponed his planned visits to Nigeria and Senegal due to the current crisis, AFP reported.

Stores in Paris and elsewhere are nailing wooden boards over doors and glass windows to prepare for potential damage and looting.

Alain Di Crescenzo, president of CCI France (French Chambers of Commerce and Industry), said in an interview with Europe 1 radio that merchants are arming themselves with baseball bats, crowbars, and shotguns, stating, "It is deeply concerning. That is not their job."

The far-right party National Rally (RN), practically led by leading next-year presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen, is holding its annual national convention in Orleans this weekend.

As far-left groups and anti-racism organizations have announced counter-demonstrations, clashes are a possibility.

While 20,000 to 30,000 people are expected to gather for anti-RN rallies in Orleans, protests in the city center will be banned, a regional prefect said.

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