The key facts

  • In Lyon, the city hall, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Chamber of Commerce are being protected
  • In Orléans, the National Rally congress will take place; 20,000–30,000 protesters are expected
  • Nearly 3,000 police officers and security personnel will be deployed

Shops prepare for possible unrest

In Lyon and Orléans, where demonstrations are planned for the weekend, shop owners are boarding up windows, removing valuable goods and reinforcing entrances. The precautionary measures reflect fears of possible violence and property damage, but reports of such incidents during the upcoming actions have not been confirmed.

Lyon: protecting key buildings

On Friday in Lyon, workers were installing wooden panels and protective barriers at the city hall, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Shops on Rue de la République were also being reinforced: carpenters sawed boards and covered windows.

Orléans: National Rally congress and mass protest

In Orléans, businesses along the planned demonstration route are also taking measures ahead of the weekend, during which the National Rally party congress will be held in the city. Between 20,000 and 30,000 protesters are expected to gather against the event; nearly 3,000 police officers and security personnel will be deployed to maintain order. There are concerns about possible disruptions to the city's operations.