In brief
A week after unprecedented riots swept across France, the country stands on high alert for a surge of demonstrations slated for Saturday. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez vows a 70,000‑strong deployment to curb vandalism, looting and far‑left agitation. Students, trade unions and other anti‑government groups plan marches in Paris and other cities, a response to Macron’s crackdown and the resignation of civic leaders. The gilets jaunes movement re‑emerges to coalesce with larger protests, while new restrictions close iconic museums and suspend a PSG match. With Macron’s term ending next spring, the unrest fuels political tension between the National Rally, La France Insoumise and centrist parties."
France is on high alert ahead of a massive wave of demonstrations scheduled for Saturday, a week after unprecedented riots that left the capital shattered.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced a deployment of 70,000 police officers, vowing an "uncompromising" stance against vandalism, looting and violence amplified by far‑left calls on social media.
Despite stay‑bans in cities like Lyon, Nice and Montpellier, students, trade unions and wider anti‑government groups have plotted hundreds of marches across France.
Macron met with student representatives last Friday, pledging commitments while urging continued mobilisation; meanwhile the gilets jaunes movement pledged to demand his resignation, adding pressure to an already tense political climate.
The government also closed the Louvre, Orsay and Picasso museums, moved a PSG fixture to Monday and urged businesses to safeguard windows.
Around 232 rioters have been imprisoned, with 1,100 appearing in court for the week’s unrest; prosecutors now seek bans on future protests for those convicted of looting or attacking police.
Disillusionment runs high amid rising living costs and looming debt cuts, a backdrop that could shape the May election where the National Rally and La France Insoumise face a battle for France’s future.
