France deploys 70,000 officers as second protest wave hits

French authorities deployed more than 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country on Saturday for the second wave of mass demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that this represented a 20 percent increase in personnel compared to the previous weekend. The deployment aimed to prevent a recurrence of the disorder seen on October 17, when over 2,000 people were taken into custody during widespread clashes.

In Paris, the main march proceeded from Porte d'Italie to Porte de Vincennes along the Boulevards des Marechaux. Local officials designated this southeastern route as the only permitted path after banning a previously negotiated central itinerary between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. Authorities also prohibited protests organized by groups other than unions. The route change drew criticism from participants. Emma, a podcaster, described the decision as a tactic to drain the movement's energy, while retired education worker Monica said it made the movement appear invisible.

The demonstration featured students, teachers, nurses, ecologists, and union representatives. Chants included calls for President Emmanuel Macron to resign and slogans such as "Too many billionaires; We are preparing the revolution." To protect central Paris, many businesses closed early and installed protective panels on shop windows. The police prefecture requested the closure of at least 24 metro stations. The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay closed for the day, and Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program.

By early Saturday afternoon, police reported at least 135 arrests nationwide and the seizure of various weapons. They characterized the overall situation as calm. In other cities, restrictions varied. Protests were banned in the downtown areas of Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice. A union march in Marseille was allowed under strict conditions, while police in Lyon used tear gas to disperse approximately 150 demonstrators.

The unrest originated in mid-September when high school students blockaded schools to protest dilapidated buildings, teacher shortages, and the university admission system. On Friday, Macron met with student representatives for the first time since the protests began. He promised additional teachers and a major overhaul of the Parcoursup admission platform. Student leaders stated they would continue mobilizing until the government presents concrete actions. More than 500,000 people had marched on October 17.

The political context of the protests includes a presidential election scheduled for early 2027. Macron is barred from seeking a third term. Marine Le Pen leads recent polls by a wide margin as the National Rally begins its campaign. In Orleans, thousands of protesters shouted anti-fascist slogans during a Le Pen party congress. Authorities expected between 20,000 and 30,000 people to join a counter-demonstration in that city.