France is preparing a major police deployment ahead of fresh demonstrations this weekend, as the government seeks to prevent a repeat of the violence and looting that followed earlier protests.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the security reinforcements on Tuesday, acknowledging shortcomings in preparations for the previous weekend’s unrest. Further demonstrations involving students and the Yellow Vest movement are expected on Saturday, October 24.
The government is also introducing financial assistance for affected businesses. Economy Minister Roland Lescure announced interest-free loans of up to €50,000, financed by public investment bank Bpifrance, to help shopkeepers manage cash shortages while awaiting insurance payments. The scheme is scheduled to open on Friday.
The measures follow nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs and conditions in schools. Violence broke out in several cities, with cars set alight, shops looted and public buildings attacked. Authorities arrested roughly 2,500 people following the unrest, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
Targeted overnight curfews have since brought relative calm to affected areas, the government said. In Paris, police cleared and guarded Place de la République overnight, while a helicopter monitored the area. Lecornu indicated that restrictions could continue where necessary.
The response now faces parliamentary scrutiny. Political groups in the National Assembly have agreed in principle to establish an inquiry into both the violence and the policing of the demonstrations, as authorities prepare for another weekend of public mobilisation.
