FRANCE DEPLOYS POLICE TRAINEES AND BOOSTS SECURITY FOR NATIONWIDE PROTESTS

Fri 23 October 2026:

Government Prepares Large-Scale Operation Amid Bans on Non-Union Demonstrations

Police academy trainees will reinforce security forces during nationwide demonstrations across France on Saturday, as the government steps up measures to maintain order, broadcaster BFMTV reported Friday.

The French National Police Directorate has called on volunteer trainees nearing the completion of their training to support operations at various sites. Their roles will include guarding buildings and handling administrative tasks at police stations, allowing more experienced officers to focus on sensitive duties. Under a 2022 law, trainees cannot take part in crowd control or public order operations and will not be placed on the front lines. Several dozen have already volunteered, BFMTV said.

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Expanded Deployment and Elite Units

Authorities announced a major security operation for Saturday, seeking to exceed the more than 60,000 personnel deployed during the Oct. 17 protests, which caused damage to businesses and public buildings. Jean-Didier Berger, the minister delegate to the Interior Ministry, said Thursday that the number of security personnel on Saturday would be “20% higher” than on Oct. 17. Sentinelle military personnel, elite units from the GIGN and RAID, and riot police officers are also expected to be deployed.

Restrictions in Paris and Elsewhere

In the Paris metropolitan area, orders ban the transport of fuel and flammable gases, the carrying of protective equipment within 100 meters (328 feet) of a school, and the possession of fireworks mortars. Paris police imposed a curfew for adults and minors around Place de la République and Les Halles, running from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Thursday evening through Sunday.

President Emmanuel Macron told a security council meeting Thursday that demonstrations not organized by trade unions would be banned in the coming days, particularly on Saturday, “wherever possible.” Prefects will review union requests and suggest alternative routes to safeguard city centers, businesses, and public buildings. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said decisions on non-union demonstrations would be made case by case.

Local Bans Announced

Following Macron’s announcement, prefectures authorized only one of the two routes requested for Saturday in Paris and banned all gatherings in Lyon and parts of Nice’s city center, according to Franceinfo. The prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône announced a ban on all demonstrations in the department, including in Marseille, on Saturday, “including those concerning issues other than purchasing power.” In Lille, the Nord prefecture banned “all demonstrations” and gatherings in the city center on Saturday.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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