PARIS | October 23, 2026 | France is preparing to deploy around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide on Saturday as authorities brace for renewed demonstrations over the cost of living, following a weekend of violent unrest that damaged businesses and public buildings. The Louvre and several other major museums in Paris will close as the government steps up security to prevent further looting and clashes.
The planned deployment is about 20% larger than the roughly 60,000 security personnel mobilized during the October 17 demonstrations, according to statements by government officials reported by Anadolu Agency and Euronews. The reinforced operation is expected to include specialist police units and France’s Sentinelle military force. Authorities have also cancelled leave for some personnel and recalled officers to duty.
The Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Picasso Museum and the Grand Palais are among the cultural venues expected to close on Saturday. France’s Culture Ministry has urged institutions under its supervision to protect visitors, staff and artworks. Art Basel Paris has also cancelled its weekend programme amid security concerns.
The protests began with students voicing concerns about school conditions and have expanded to include anger over rising living costs, fuel prices and broader economic pressures. The demonstrations have drawn students, workers, trade union members and Yellow Vest activists, a movement that first emerged in 2018 over fuel taxes and the cost of living before growing into a wider challenge to the government.
The October 17 demonstrations drew hundreds of thousands of people across France. Although many participants marched peacefully, some gatherings were followed by clashes, fires, vandalism and looting. Authorities acknowledged that they had underestimated the scale of the protests and faced criticism over their handling of the unrest. Officials have reported thousands of people taken into police custody and extensive damage to businesses.
President Emmanuel Macron convened senior officials to review security preparations and said restrictions would be imposed on demonstrations where necessary. Authorities have indicated that declared marches organized by trade unions may be permitted subject to conditions, while other gatherings may be prohibited if officials determine they pose a serious threat to public order. Several local restrictions have already been announced, including bans on demonstrations in parts of the country.
The Paris city government has urged residents and businesses to secure bins, bicycles, outdoor furniture and other objects that could be used to damage property. More than 1,000 municipal cleaning workers are being mobilized to restore public spaces once conditions are safe. The city will also activate a crisis management unit on Saturday to coordinate its response with police authorities.
The renewed protests come as France faces a wider political debate over purchasing power, public services and the government’s response to economic pressures. The Yellow Vest movement, which began in November 2018, led to months of demonstrations and prompted the government to introduce concessions on fuel taxes and other measures. The current unrest reflects continuing public frustration, although the groups involved have different demands and do not necessarily share a single political agenda.
Authorities have called for peaceful demonstrations and warned that violence and looting will not be tolerated. The scale of Saturday’s mobilization will test the government’s ability to protect public safety and businesses while preserving the right to peaceful protest.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
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