France braces another weekend as protests test security
French authorities plan to deploy about 70,000 police officers across the country as protests are expected to return this weekend. A Paris demonstration called…
French authorities are preparing a major security operation as demonstrations return to Paris and other parts of the country this weekend. France braces another weekend after riots last week left at least two people dead, with officials planning to deploy about 70,000 police officers nationwide.
The measures could disrupt travel and visits to major Paris attractions on Saturday. The Louvre and other museums will close, the Paris National Opera has cancelled performances, and at least two dozen metro stations are expected to shut for much of the day, according to Paris municipal authorities.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned on Friday that the government would be “uncompromising with those who engage in destruction.” Specialist police units, helicopters, armored vehicles, police dogs and water cannons will support the operation, CNN reported, citing the interior ministry.
Police will also receive help from French army soldiers who normally patrol Paris under the country’s counter-terrorism measures. Increasing their numbers is intended to free police from stationary guard duties, allowing them to focus on the demonstrations and public order.
Paris protest restrictions and closures
A large demonstration has been called for Saturday afternoon in Paris by France’s main student union, UNEF. The CGT trade union has said it will join, while farmers, climate activists and the Yellow Vests are among groups expected to attend. French media expect hundreds of thousands of people to take part.
The authorities authorized the Paris demonstration. President Emmanuel Macron, however, banned all non-trade union protests on Saturday as the government seeks to contain unrest. Restrictions and closures will shape how the city functions, even for people not attending a rally.
The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie will be closed. Art Basel ended its Paris fair on Friday, two days earlier than scheduled, while the Paris National Opera cancelled Saturday performances because of the protests. At least two dozen metro stations will also close for much of the day, according to municipal authorities.
The city has been removing barriers, bins, construction materials and other objects from public spaces that could be used to cause damage. Those preparations follow criticism that authorities failed to take the threat seriously enough before last weekend’s riots.
The disruption extends beyond Saturday. An NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints is scheduled at the Stade de France just outside Paris on Sunday, and is still set to go ahead. The NFL cancelled a Steelers fan event in Paris.
Unrest follows weeks of demonstrations
The protests grew out of weeks of anger over education, poor job prospects and the cost of living. Demonstrations were initially peaceful and attended mostly by students before turning into what CNN described as the country’s worst wave of deadly nationwide violence in years. Authorities imposed curfews in some cities this week to help restore calm.
Last weekend’s riots killed at least two people and left multiple others with serious injuries, including two people who lost their hands. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said about 2,700 people were held for questioning and 232 were incarcerated in connection with the riots.
The scale of the police deployment and the closures put immediate practical limits on movement in Paris, particularly for visitors planning to use the metro or attend cultural events. Residents and travelers will also face a changed security presence around public spaces and the planned demonstration.
The demonstration itself remains authorized, but the government’s ban covers other protests on Saturday. About 70,000 police officers are due to be deployed across France over the weekend.
Source: cnn.com
