France deploys 70,000 police as authorities warn of protest violence

Paris, France. French authorities deployed security forces throughout Paris before Saturday’s demonstrations, warning of possible violence. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez mobilised 70,000 police across the country and urged officers to respond swiftly to rioters and looters.

Authorities warn of disruption

The nationwide police deployment exceeds the October 17 mobilisation by 10,000 officers. Vandalism and looting on that date prompted doubts about the government’s capacity to preserve public order.

Addressing officers in Paris, Nunez said shops, public institutions and security personnel could be targeted. He cited substantial calls for disruption by political groups and criminals, stressing the need for an exceptionally rapid response and warning that officers faced a lengthy day.

Recent weeks have seen students, workers and trade unions demonstrate over living costs and pressure on public services. Authorities say radical militants and groups of young people engaged in looting have used the demonstrations to create disorder.

Landmarks and businesses under protection

Soldiers belonging to an anti-terrorism military unit patrolled the Champs-Elysees, while police vans moved around the Arc de Triomphe. The deployments sought to shield prominent Paris landmarks from a recurrence of the unrest France experienced last week.

Numerous Paris shopkeepers covered their storefronts with boards, and luxury retailers increased security. Business groups called on shops not to open, citing damage or looting at thousands of commercial premises throughout France last weekend.

Lidiya Shevchenko, who works as a sales assistant for Graziella Braccialini in Paris, said she expected few customers to come out to browse luxury shops that day. She suggested that shoppers’ mood was also an important factor in their decision to shop.