The key facts

  • Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a 'massive' deployment of security forces for Saturday's protests
  • The curfew in a number of cities is extended for a second night 'where the situation requires it'
  • Last Saturday saw about 550,000 participants in 110 rallies, with around 400 arrests

Massive deployment of security forces

The French government on Tuesday announced a major deployment of security forces in connection with nationwide protests planned for Saturday. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu told the National Assembly that a 'massive' deployment of security forces would be assigned to the 'second phase' of mobilization. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, according to the TV channel BFMTV, confirmed that the authorities would reinforce the deployment both in terms of 'resources' and 'operational readiness'.

Curfew extension and bans in Paris

The government also announced an extension for a second night of the curfew in force in a number of cities, 'where the situation requires it,' following turbulent weekend demonstrations against the high cost of living. The Paris police prefecture issued several orders banning, until Thursday, the transport of fuel and flammable gas in individual containers, in order to prevent riots and violence on the sidelines of the rallies. The measures apply across the entire Paris metropolitan area and include a ban on wearing protective gear within 100 meters of high schools and universities, as well as on the purchase and storage of pyrotechnic devices.

Results of the previous protests

According to available data, about 550,000 people took part in 110 demonstrations across France last Saturday, including 110,000 in Paris. Around 400 arrests were recorded across the country.