70,000 Cops, SWAT Teams, Water Cannons: France Braces For Fresh Protests After Deadly Riots

Last Updated:October 24, 2026, 12:47 IST

As Paris braces for a massive turnout on Saturday, French authorities are deploying specialist police units, helicopters and armoured vehicles, alongside additional army patrols.

French soldiers from the “Sentinelle” security plan stand in front of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris ahead of nationwide protests, October 24, 2026. (REUTERS)

France is bracing for another weekend of mass protests, with authorities preparing an extensive security operation to prevent a repeat of the deadly riots that swept across the country last week.

Around 70,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide on Saturday as demonstrators prepare to return to the streets over education, poor job prospects and the rising cost of living. The heightened security arrangements come amid fears of renewed violencewith major restrictions imposed on public gatherings and movement in several cities.

France Deploys 70,000 Police Officers Ahead Of Protests

According to the French interior ministry, the security operation will involve specialist police units, helicopters, armoured vehicles, police dogs and water cannons.

The number of French army personnel normally patrolling Paris under the country’s counter-terrorism measures will also be increased, freeing police officers from stationary guard duties.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned on Friday that the government would be “uncompromising with those who engage in destruction,” CNN reported.

The mobilisation follows criticism of the authorities for failing to anticipate the scale of last weekend’s violence. Curfews have also been imposed in some cities this week to maintain calm.

Mass Paris Protest Planned As Authorities Impose Restrictions

A major demonstration is planned for Saturday afternoon in Paris, with French media anticipating hundreds of thousands of participants.

France’s main student union, UNEF, has called for demonstrations, while CGT, one of the country’s largest trade unions, is also mobilising protesters. Farmers, climate activists and members of the Yellow Vests movement are among the groups expected to participate.

The Yellow Vests movement first emerged in 2018 during protests against rising fuel costs.

However, authorities have restricted Saturday’s demonstrations to authorised trade union marches, rejecting separate applications from UNEF and the Yellow Vests movement, according to Reuters.

Paris authorities have also begun removing barriers, rubbish bins, construction materials and other objects from public spaces to prevent them from being used to cause damage.

Several major tourist attractions, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie, will remain closed on Saturday.

The Paris National Opera has cancelled its Saturday performances, while Art Basel concluded its Paris fair on Friday, two days earlier than scheduled. At least two dozen metro stations will also be closed for much of the day, according to Paris municipal authorities.

The disruption has extended to sporting events. An NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints is scheduled to go ahead at the Stade de France, outside Paris, on Sunday, although the NFL has cancelled a Steelers fan event in the capital.

What Triggered The Protests In France?

The unrest began with largely peaceful, student-led demonstrations over education, limited job opportunities and the cost of living before escalating into widespread riots.

Last weekend’s violence marked one of France’s most serious episodes of deadly nationwide unrest in years, leaving at least two people dead and several others seriously injured, according to CNN.

Among those injured were two people who lost their hands during the violence.

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said approximately 2,700 people had been held for questioning in connection with the riots, while 232 had been incarcerated.

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What security measures are being implemented in France ahead of the weekend protests?

France is deploying approximately 70,000 police officers nationwide, alongside specialist security units, helicopters, armored vehicles, water cannons, and increased army personnel to maintain order. Authorities have also imposed curfews, restricted public gatherings, and begun removing potential hazards like barriers and rubbish bins from public spaces in Paris.

What issues initially triggered the widespread protests and riots across France?

The unrest began with peaceful, student-led demonstrations regarding education, poor job prospects, and public anger over the rising cost of living. These demonstrations subsequently escalated into widespread riots and clashes involving various groups, including trade unions, farmers, and climate activists.

How are authorities and cultural institutions responding to the heightened security risks?

Major cultural and tourist attractions in Paris, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Musée de l’Orangerie, are remaining closed for Saturday. Additionally, the Paris National Opera cancelled its performances, dozens of metro stations were closed, and separate demonstration applications from student unions and the Yellow Vests were rejected.

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Karishma Jain

Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo…Read More

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