The key facts
- Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu promised a 'massive' security operation for Saturday's protests
- Military personnel from Operation Sentinelle (10,000 soldiers) will replace internal security forces at static guard posts
- Minister Nuñez is considering a ban on unauthorized demonstrations and changes to the routes of authorized ones
Massive security operation for the weekend
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said on Tuesday that a 'massive' security operation would be deployed for the expected protests on Saturday. This followed weekend demonstrations over the cost of living, which turned violent across the country.
Deployment of Sentinelle military personnel
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, speaking in parliament, announced plans to deploy military personnel from Operation Sentinelle to free up police officers and gendarmes for public order duties. According to him, the military's mission will be to 'replace internal security forces primarily at static guard posts.' Operation Sentinelle, launched in January 2015, comprises 10,000 soldiers deployed across France to protect against potential terrorist attacks. The military usually serves at sensitive sites — places of worship, schools, tourist locations, train stations and airports; they were previously deployed, in particular, at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024.
Tactics and possible bans
Nuñez added that on Saturday security forces must act with increased 'operational readiness and mobility' to counter 'dispersed' and 'highly mobile' groups. He also said he is 'considering the possibility of banning unauthorized demonstrations that could lead to a breach of public order.' Demonstrations authorized by the prefecture may also be affected — in cases where 'the organizer or security service gives no grounds to believe that the demonstration will not get out of control.' For demonstrations that pose no threat to public order, the minister said it is 'necessary' to give priority to routes away from government buildings and main streets, as well as to step up intelligence gathering to accurately assess the number of participants, 'especially the most radical ones,' in order to adapt security measures. Nuñez promised to show 'determination,' adding: 'We will be there.'
