70,000 Officers Guard Second French Protest Wave

Authorities deployed more than 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across France on Saturday to secure a second round of mass demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that this number represents a 20 percent increase in personnel compared to the previous weekend. The security force included support from the elite RAID unit, which assisted other police operations rather than directly managing crowds.

The main march in Paris started at Porte d'Italie and ended at Porte de Vincennes. This route along the Boulevards des Marechaux on the southeastern edge of the city was the only permitted path. Local authorities banned the originally negotiated route between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. Protests organized by groups other than unions were also prohibited. This last-minute change angered participants. Emma, a protester and podcaster, described the move as a tactic to drain the movement of energy. Monica, a retired public education worker, said the restrictions made the movement appear invisible. Neither provided a last name.

Marchers included students, teachers, ecologists, nurses, and union representatives. The crowd danced and chanted slogans, with some calling for President Emmanuel Macron to resign. One group shouted, "Too many billionaires; We are preparing the revolution." Another group chanted, "We are all anti-fascists." In central Paris, many businesses shuttered and covered shop windows with protective panels. At least 24 metro stations closed at the request of the police prefecture. The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay closed for the day, and Art Basel Paris cancelled its weekend programme.

The demonstrations follow the riots of October 17, which saw widespread looting, vandalism, and clashes. Official figures indicate that more than 2,000 people were taken into custody during that previous event. By early Saturday afternoon, police reported at least 135 arrests nationwide and seized various weapons. The situation remained largely calm. Protests were banned in the downtown areas of Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice. In Marseille, a union march proceeded under strict conditions. In Lyon, police fired tear gas to disperse about 150 demonstrators.

The unrest began in mid-September when high school students blockaded schools over dilapidated buildings and teacher shortages. On Friday, Macron met with student representatives for the first time since the protests started. He promised more teachers and a deep overhaul of the Parcoursup university admission system. Students stated they would continue mobilizing until the government presents concrete actions. More than half a million people marched on October 17.

The turmoil occurs six months before a presidential election. Macron is barred from a third consecutive term and will leave office in 2027. Marine Le Pen, who has campaigned on restoring law and order, leads recent polls by a wide margin. In Orleans, thousands shouted anti-fascist slogans as her National Rally held a party congress. Authorities expected 20,000 to 30,000 people to join a counter-demonstration. The Yellow Vest movement announced its own protest for October 31.