Paris:France's minister delegate to the Interior Ministry issued a warning on Thursday, emphasizing that the nation is on high alert in preparation for the nationwide demonstrations planned for October 24.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Jean-Didier Berger, speaking to BFMTV, stated that the government is at "a maximum level of vigilance" and has not ruled out the possibility of banning gatherings or cultural and sporting events if deemed necessary in the coming days and weeks.
Berger announced that the deployment of security forces on Saturday would be increased by 20% compared to October 17, with leave for personnel being canceled and elite forces such as Operation Sentinelle, GIGN, and RAID being deployed. President Emmanuel Macron, during a security council meeting, declared that demonstrations not organized by trade unions would be banned wherever possible, especially on October 24.
The Paris police have implemented a curfew for adults and minors around Place de la Republique and Les Halles, effective from 11 pm to 6 am starting Thursday evening until Sunday. Additionally, the Louvre, Orsay, and Picasso museums will remain closed on Saturday. A march in Paris from Bastille to Nation has been approved, and the Yellow Vests coordination will join along the CGT union's proposed route after their initial route was rejected.
In other regions, demonstrations have been banned across Lyon, central Toulon, and parts of Lille for Saturday. A curfew for unaccompanied minors in central Toulon will be enforced from Saturday evening until Sunday morning. In Paris, an administrative court has suspended the ban on a demonstration by the Interfac student movement, with police directing the gathering to remain stationary.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin reported that 2,700 individuals have been taken into police custody since Saturday, with 217 jailed, and has directed prosecutors to seek further penalties. President Macron is set to meet with high school student representatives on Friday, and Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will meet with university student organizations on Monday. Authorities have urged shopkeepers to secure their premises and check surveillance systems, recommending private security guards with canine teams where necessary.
Previous protests on October 17 over the cost of living and fuel prices involved the Yellow Vest movement and students, leading to damage to businesses and public buildings and resulting in localized curfews. Further demonstrations are planned for Saturday, with unions calling for a nationwide strike and protest day on November 5.