French authorities say around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed across the country on Saturday, 24 October, to maintain public order and prevent further street violence, as left-wing and Green parties challenge restrictions on demonstrations.
According to French media reports, the security measures follow unrest in several areas, including clashes with police, fires, looting and damage to public property. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said security forces would be supported by helicopters, armoured vehicles, water cannon and specialist units.
Meanwhile, left-wing and Green parties filed an urgent application with France’s Council of State on Friday, challenging restrictions imposed on demonstrations. They are contesting orders issued under President Emmanuel Macron’s government concerning bans on certain gatherings and changes to routes planned for trade union marches.
Macron has said local authorities should prevent gatherings organised by groups they consider unauthorised and propose alternative routes for trade union demonstrations. The measures have drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil liberties groups.
The protests initially involved students raising concerns about education but later broadened to include wider dissatisfaction over the cost of living and public services. Student representatives who met Macron said they would continue their protests until the government put forward concrete proposals.
Security preparations are also under way for a demonstration in Orléans against the far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen. Restrictions on protests and concerns about the right to peaceful assembly have become a growing focus of political debate in France.
