The key facts

  • Louvre, Orsay and Picasso Museum to close on Saturday due to new protests
  • Number of security personnel will be 20% higher than on October 17; leaves cancelled, GIGN, RAID and Sentinelle military forces deployed
  • Macron announced a ban on demonstrations outside unions; unions scheduled a strike for November 5

Museum closures and security measures

The Louvre, the Orsay Museum and the Picasso Museum in Paris will remain closed on Saturday due to planned new demonstrations, the French government announced on Thursday. The Ministry of Culture called on all institutions under its authority to take measures for the 'safety of visitors', 'protection of staff' and 'preservation of artworks'. The closures come amid heightened security measures ahead of new nationwide protests.

Reinforcement of security forces

Junior Interior Minister Jean-Didier Berger said on BFMTV that the authorities are maintaining a 'maximum level of vigilance', and the deployment of security forces will be 20% higher than during the demonstrations on October 17. Leaves have been cancelled and personnel recalled. The Sentinelle military forces and police special units, including GIGN and RAID, will be deployed.

Bans and Macron's position

President Emmanuel Macron stated that demonstrations not organized by unions will be banned in the coming days, especially on weekends, 'wherever possible'. Prefects will review applications submitted by unions. The authorities banned demonstrations throughout Lyon and in the center of Toulon for Saturday; traders have been advised to reinforce their premises and remove items that could be used to cause damage.

Context of the protests

Last weekend, 'yellow vests' and students held actions across the country over the cost of living and fuel prices. Violence and damage to shops and public buildings led to local curfews. Unions have also announced a nationwide day of strikes and protests for November 5.