France Sends 70,000 Officers to Manage New Round of Street Protests

More than 70,000 security personnel were stationed across France on Saturday as a second wave of mass demonstrations unfolded.

The unrest has roots in mid-September when high school students began blocking schools to protest poor building conditions, staff shortages, and the university admission system. This initial student action grew into a broader movement. On October 17, over half a million people marched, but the day ended in significant chaos with looting and clashes. Following that event, President Emmanuel Macron met with student leaders for the first time. He promised to hire more teachers and completely overhaul the Parcoursup admission platform. However, students stated they will continue mobilizing until the government shows specific actions.

Saturday's protests focused on these educational issues and the rising cost of living. In Paris, thousands marched peacefully from Porte d'Italie to Porte de Vincennes. This route runs along the southeastern edge of the city. Local authorities designated this as the only permitted path. They banned an originally negotiated central route between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. Demonstrations organized by groups other than unions were also prohibited in some areas. The last-minute change frustrated many participants. Emma, a podcaster and protester, described the route change as a tactic to drain energy from the movement. Monica, a retired public education worker, said it made the movement look invisible. Neither provided a last name.

The march featured students, teachers, nurses, ecologists, and union representatives. They chanted slogans and danced along the way. Some groups called for President Macron to resign. One group shouted that there were too many billionaires and that they were preparing a revolution. Another group chanted that they were all anti-fascists. In central Paris, many businesses closed early to protect themselves. Shop windows were covered with panels, and some retailers hired private security guards. At least 24 metro stations were closed at the request of the police prefecture. Major cultural sites like the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay closed for the day. The Art Basel Paris event also canceled its weekend program.

Authorities were determined to avoid a repeat of the events from the previous weekend. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that 20 percent more officers were on duty than the prior weekend. The elite RAID unit supported other police operations rather than directly managing crowds. By early Saturday afternoon, police reported at least 135 arrests nationwide. They seized various weapons but acknowledged that the overall situation remained calm. Protests were banned in the downtown areas of several cities, including Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice. In Marseille, a union march was allowed under strict conditions. In Lyon, police used tear gas to disperse a group of about 150 demonstrators.

The timing of these protests is politically sensitive. They occur about six months before a pivotal presidential election. President Macron is barred from seeking a third consecutive term and is due to leave office in 2027. Marine Le Pen, who has campaigned on restoring law and order, currently leads recent polls by a wide margin. In Orleans, thousands of people shouted anti-fascist slogans. This happened while her National Rally party held a congress to mark the start of its campaign. Authorities expected between 20,000 and 30,000 people to join a counter-demonstration against the party event. The Yellow Vest movement has also announced its own protest for October 31.

The combination of economic pressure and political uncertainty sets the stage for the coming weeks. The government faces pressure to deliver on its promises to students and the broader public. Security officials will likely maintain a strong presence in major cities as the election campaign heats up.