France mobilizes massive police force for second wave of protests

The French government has intensified its security posture as a second wave of nationwide demonstrations began on Saturday, reflecting the growing strain on public services and the economy. This development follows a volatile week of unrest and occurs against the backdrop of a pivotal presidential election cycle.

The current cycle of unrest traces back to mid-September when high school students began blockading schools. Their grievances centered on dilapidated infrastructure, teacher shortages, and perceived inequities in the university admission system. Tensions escalated significantly on October 17 when more than half a million people joined the streets. Although largely peaceful, that day saw widespread looting and clashes, leading to over 2,000 arrests and significant damage to thousands of businesses.

In response to the recent volatility, authorities have deployed more than 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that this represents a 20 percent increase in personnel compared to the previous weekend. The elite RAID unit is supporting broader police operations rather than directly managing crowds. This heavy-handed approach aims to prevent a repeat of the disruptions seen on October 17.

In Paris, the main march was rerouted to the southeastern edge of the city, from Porte d'Italie to Porte de Vincennes. Local authorities banned the originally negotiated central route between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. They also prohibited protests organized by groups other than unions. These last-minute changes frustrated participants, with some viewing the route change as a tactic to drain energy from the movement. Others felt it was an attempt to render the demonstration invisible to the public eye.

The disruption to the city was significant. Businesses in central Paris shuttered early and installed protective panels on windows, while some retailers hired private security. The police prefecture requested the closure of at least 24 metro stations. Major cultural institutions, including the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay, closed for the day. Additionally, Art Basel Paris cancelled its weekend program, highlighting the event's economic footprint on the capital.

Marchers included students, teachers, nurses, ecologists, and union representatives. The crowd was diverse, with participants dancing and chanting slogans ranging from calls for President Emmanuel Macron to resign to anti-fascist declarations. One group specifically cited the wealth gap, shouting that there were too many billionaires and that a revolution was being prepared. The atmosphere remained generally calm, though tensions were palpable.

By early Saturday afternoon, police reported at least 135 arrests nationwide and the seizure of various weapons. In other cities, protests were banned in downtown areas including Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice. In Lyon, police used tear gas to disperse a group of about 150 demonstrators. Meanwhile, in Orléans, a counter-demonstration of 20,000 to 30,000 people gathered to oppose the National Rally party congress, which marked the start of its campaign.

The political stakes are high as this turmoil unfolds about six months before the presidential election. President Macron is barred from seeking a third term and must leave office in 2027. He met with student representatives on Friday, promising more teachers and a major overhaul of the Parcoursup admission system. However, students have vowed to continue mobilizing until concrete actions are presented. Marine Le Pen, who has campaigned on law and order, currently leads recent polls by a wide margin, and the Yellow Vest movement has already announced its own protest for October 31.