Paris restricts protest route as France deploys 70,000 officers
Security forces deployed 20 percent more personnel nationwide following a last-minute route change that angered demonstrators and forced the closure of major landmarks.
By Elijah Fitzgerald ·
Local authorities in Paris forced demonstrators to march along a single southeastern route on Saturday, a last-minute change that displaced the originally planned path through the city center. The restriction limited the march to the corridor between Porte d'Italie and Porte de Vincennes along the Boulevards des Marechaux. This decision came after police banned the previously negotiated itinerary connecting Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. Non-union organized events were also prohibited.
The move drew immediate criticism from participants on the ground. Emma, a podcaster and protester, described the route change as a government tactic designed to drain energy from the movement. Monica, a retired public education worker, stated that the restriction made the authorities appear intent on making the movement invisible. Neither woman provided a last name.
The streets of central Paris reflected the heightened security posture. Businesses shuttered their doors and covered windows with protective panels. At least 24 metro stations closed at the request of the police prefecture. The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay closed for the day, and Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that more than 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed nationwide. He noted that this represented a 20 percent increase in personnel compared to the previous weekend. The elite RAID unit supported other police operations rather than directly managing crowds. By early Saturday afternoon, police reported arresting at least 135 people nationwide and seizing various weapons. Officials described the overall situation as calm.
In other cities, authorities enforced bans on downtown protests in Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice. In Marseille, a union march proceeded under strict conditions. In Lyon, police used tear gas to disperse approximately 150 demonstrators. In Orleans, thousands of people shouted anti-fascist slogans while Marine Le Pen's National Rally held a party congress. Authorities expected 20,000 to 30,000 people to join a counter-demonstration there.
The current demonstrations target worsening school conditions and the rising cost of living. They follow the country's worst riots in years, which occurred on October 17. That day, largely peaceful protests turned violent with widespread looting and vandalism. More than 2,000 people were taken into custody, and thousands of businesses were damaged or ransacked. Over half a million people marched on October 17.
The unrest began in mid-September when high school students blockaded schools over dilapidated buildings and teacher shortages. President Emmanuel Macron met with student representatives for the first time on Friday. He promised more teachers and a deep overhaul of the Parcoursup university admission system. Students stated they would continue mobilizing until the government presents concrete actions.
The Yellow Vest movement has announced its own protest for October 31. The political turmoil occurs about six months before the presidential election. Macron is barred from seeking a third consecutive term and will leave office in 2027. Marine Le Pen leads recent polls by a wide margin.
