23.10.2026 17:40
France is deploying large-scale security measures against a new wave of protests. After demonstrations last week that saw looting, arson, and attacks on public buildings, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced that 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will be on duty across the country tomorrow. The security plan also includes armored vehicles, TOMA water cannons, helicopters, and special intervention units.
After looting, arson and violence during protests held in France on October 17, the government increased security measures ahead of new demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced that 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be deployed across the country, and that armored vehicles, TOMA riot-control vehicles, helicopters and special intervention units would also be on standby.
At a press conference held today, Nunez stated that numerous calls for demonstrations had been made by trade unions, student organizations, political groups and through social media. Nunez said a comprehensive security plan had been prepared to prevent a repeat of last week's events, and that there would be a rapid and firm response to looting and attacks.
70,000 SECURITY PERSONNEL WILL BE ON THE GROUND
Under the new security plan, 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed across the country. About 20 Centaure-type armored vehicles and 15 riot-control vehicles (TOMA) will be used in the operations. Helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, anti-drone defense systems, mounted units and dog teams will also support the operations.
The special intervention units of the police and gendarmerie, RAID, GIGN and BRI, will also be on standby at designated locations. Nunez stated that these units would not be used to disperse demonstrators, but for support tasks such as protecting public buildings when necessary.
Nunez announced that some police officers and gendarmes on leave had been recalled to duty to meet the need for security personnel, and said that police candidates still in training would also carry out support duties within the scope of their authority.
SOME DEMONSTRATIONS BANNED, ROUTES MAY BE CHANGED
Noting that after the looting in city centers and attacks on public buildings on October 17, provincial governorships had tightened their security assessments, Nunez announced that some demonstrations had been banned while others could be held under certain conditions.
Arguing that marches passing especially through shopping streets and city centers posed a risk, Nunez reported that the aim was to direct demonstrations to less risky routes. He stated that governors could change march routes or ban demonstrations if new threats emerged.
Nunez, stating that decisions regarding demonstrations in Marseille and Orleans would also be made according to local security conditions, emphasized that organizers must have sufficient security and organizational capacity.
CURFEWS CONTINUE IN SOME AREAS
Nunez announced that curfews imposed in some sensitive areas after last week's violence were continuing, and said governors were working in coordination with mayors.
Nunez noted that local bans on carrying fireworks, gasoline and other fuels were also in effect to protect public order, and that measures were determined according to regional security risks.
TURNOUT MORE THAN DOUBLE EXPECTATIONS
In a statement at the National Assembly on October 20, Nunez had acknowledged that turnout at the previous demonstrations exceeded estimates. Nunez said that while 220,000 demonstrators were expected, 550,000 people participated, and noted that looting groups moved to different locations to try to disperse security forces.
The Interior Minister announced that about 2,400 people were detained during the October 17 demonstrations, and about 500 more were detained in the following days as part of investigations. Nunez, stating that suspects in the fire at Limoges City Hall had also been detained, reported that investigations were ongoing.
Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin, in a statement the previous day, had announced that 2,700 people were taken into custody after the events and 217 people were imprisoned.
Special units coordinated with prosecutors' offices were established to speed up judicial proceedings for the new demonstrations.
"WE WILL SHOW NO TOLERANCE TOWARD LOOTERS"
Nunez, noting that numerous calls for new demonstrations had been made on social media, claimed that some radical groups had shared messages about looting and attacks. Nunez, saying he had instructed security forces to act decisively, said, "We will show no tolerance toward looters and those involved in violence."
Nunez stated that attacks on public buildings, looting and violence against security forces were unacceptable and said no new incidents would be allowed.
"PROPORTIONALITY, ALWAYS PROPORTIONALITY"
Also answering questions about the intervention powers of security forces, Nunez emphasized that police and gendarmes must comply with the legal framework and the principle of proportionality when using force.
Nunez, stating that tear gas, containment grenades, sound grenades and weapons known as LBD that fire defensive projectiles could only be used under the conditions stipulated in legislation, used the phrase "Proportionality, always proportionality."
Nunez, noting that investigations into police interventions on October 17 and 18 were ongoing, said the number of files examined by the police oversight unit IGPN may have risen from 6 to 8, but the figure needed confirmation. He added that opening an investigation did not by itself mean disproportionate force had been used.
DISSOLVED EXTREMIST GROUPS UNDER REVIEW
Nunez announced that reviews were ongoing into whether far-right and far-left groups previously dissolved had reorganized, and stated that legal proceedings would be initiated if such structures were found to have been re-established.
Nunez said that during the protests, firefighters as well as police and gendarmes were subjected to attacks. Expressing that fire crews working in Marseille, Paris and other regions continued their work despite stones and various objects being thrown, he thanked the security forces and firefighters.
Nunez, stating that they were ready for the demonstrations expected to be held on Saturday, reiterated that security forces would respond quickly and decisively.
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