France stations 70,000 officers for student marches

French authorities deployed more than 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country on Saturday to secure a second wave of mass demonstrations. This deployment marks a 20 percent increase in security personnel compared to the previous weekend, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez.

The primary march in Paris followed a restricted route from Porte d'Italie to Porte de Vincennes. Local officials banned the previously negotiated central path between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. They also prohibited protests organized by groups other than unions. Protesters expressed frustration over these last-minute changes. Emma, a podcaster, described the route restriction as a government tactic to drain the movement's energy. Monica, a retired public educator, said the decision made the movement appear invisible.

Marchers included students, teachers, nurses, and union representatives who chanted slogans demanding President Emmanuel Macron resign. One group shouted, "Too many billionaires; We are preparing the revolution." In central Paris, at least 24 metro stations closed at the request of the police prefecture. The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay closed their doors, and Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program.

Police reported arresting at least 135 people nationwide by early Saturday afternoon while seizing various weapons. The situation remained largely calm in the capital, though tensions persisted elsewhere. In Lyon, officers fired tear gas to disperse approximately 150 demonstrators. Authorities banned protests in the downtown areas of Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice. The Yellow Vest movement scheduled its own demonstration for October 31.

The current unrest follows a violent episode on October 17, when riots damaged thousands of businesses and resulted in more than 2,000 arrests. The initial protests began in mid-September when high school students blockaded schools to protest dilapidated buildings and teacher shortages. On Friday, Macron met with student representatives for the first time and promised a deep overhaul of the Parcoursup university admission system. Students vowed to continue mobilizing until the government presents concrete actions.

The political turmoil occurs roughly six months before the presidential election. Macron is barred from seeking a third term and will leave office in 2027. Marine Le Pen currently leads recent polls by a wide margin. In Orleans, thousands of people shouted anti-fascist slogans while the National Rally held a party congress. Authorities expected 20,000 to 30,000 people to join a counter-demonstration in that city.