Rabat – France deployed 70,000 police officers and gendarmes on Saturday as hundreds of demonstrations took place across the country amid rising tensions over the cost of living, social justice, and public services.
The demonstrations brought together members of the Yellow Vests movement, trade unions, high school students, and university students. Organizers announced more than 700 planned actions nationwide, including around 500 demonstrations, according to France 24.
Authorities introduced protest bans, curfews, and other restrictions in more than 100 cities to prevent violence following clashes, vandalism, and looting during demonstrations the previous weekend.
The government also deployed helicopters, armored vehicles, and specialized police and gendarmerie units. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called on security forces to respond quickly to potential violence and warned that they would take a firm approach toward groups attempting to attack businesses, public institutions, or police officers.
Paris protest route sparks controversy
Authorities in Paris changed the route of a major demonstration at short notice, requiring protesters to march between Porte d’Italie and Porte de Vincennes instead of following the previously agreed route between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation.
The city’s administrative court rejected the organizers’ appeal against the decision on Saturday morning. The organizers subsequently accepted the new route, saying they did not want to put demonstrators at risk.
However, the late change caused confusion, with many protesters still gathering at Bastille, the starting point of the original route. Some received fines, according to France 24.
The student union UNEF also reported that police officers had surrounded some of its members and prevented them from reaching the metro as they attempted to join the demonstration.
Amnesty International criticized the restrictions, warning of serious obstacles to the right to protest and describing the government’s approach as a shift toward more authoritarian practices.
Thousands protest against far-right party
The city of Orléans also became a major focus of Saturday’s demonstrations as the far-right National Rally (RN) held its congress there.
By midday, around 11,000 people had gathered, according to the local authorities, while organizers estimated the crowd at 26,000. Police expected as many as 30,000 demonstrators and deployed nearly 3,000 security personnel.
Political figures from left-wing parties, trade unions, student groups, and human rights organizations joined the march against the RN.
Meanwhile, police in Lyon dispersed a gathering of around 150 people near Lyon 3 University after authorities banned gatherings in the area. Officers used tear gas after protesters blocked traffic.
