Paris:The Louvre, Orsay, and Picasso museums in Paris will remain closed on Saturday as a precaution against planned demonstrations, according to an announcement from the French government on Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, the Culture Ministry has advised all institutions under its supervision to implement measures to ensure the safety of visitors, protect staff, and preserve art collections. This decision is part of a broader strategy by authorities to enhance security ahead of anticipated nationwide protests.

Jean-Didier Berger, France's minister delegate to the Interior Ministry, stated on BFMTV that the government is maintaining a high level of alert, with security forces being increased by 20% compared to the deployments on October 17. Leave for security personnel has been canceled, and additional forces, including Sentinelle military units and specialist police squads such as GIGN and RAID, will be deployed.

President Emmanuel Macron has announced that non-union organized demonstrations will be banned in the coming days, particularly on weekends, wherever feasible. Prefects will review demonstration requests submitted by unions. Demonstrations have been banned in Lyon and central Toulon on Saturday, and shopkeepers have been advised to secure their premises and remove any items that could be used for vandalism.

Recent nationwide rallies by Yellow Vest protesters and students, fueled by concerns over living costs and fuel prices, have led to violence and property damage, prompting localized curfews. Unions have also planned a nationwide strike and protest on November 5.