WorldPosted at: Oct 24 2026 2:51PM


France deploys 70,000 police ahead of protests, Paris museums close

Paris, Oct 24 (UNI) France deployed 70,000 police and gendarmes nationwide on Saturday and closed several major Paris museums as authorities prepared for fresh protests, a week after widespread looting, arson and attacks on public buildings exposed security vulnerabilities and increased pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government.
The Louvre, Orsay Museum, Picasso Museum and Grand Palais were among the cultural institutions closed amid fears of renewed violence. Organisers of Art Basel, a major contemporary art fair in Paris, cancelled its weekend programme after opening on Friday.
In Orléans, about 110 km south of Paris, authorities prepared for a major anti-far-right rally coinciding with a national congress of Marine Le Pen's National Rally party.
Around 50 organisations, including trade unions, left-wing parties, student groups and anti-racism associations, called for the demonstration. Authorities expected between 20,000 and 30,000 participants and planned to deploy about 3,000 police and gendarmes to prevent clashes.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the security operation would include riot police, helicopters, armoured vehicles and water cannon.
"We will respond firmly to rioters and looters committing violence," Nuñez said on Friday, warning that authorities would show "no compromise".
Protests organised by student groups, trade unions and activists from the Yellow Vests movement were also expected in Paris, where intelligence assessments cited by French newspaper Le Monde estimated that between 60,000 and 120,000 people could take to the streets.
More than 500,000 people demonstrated across France last week, with violence on the sidelines leaving shops damaged or looted, cars burned and public buildings targeted. Around 3,000 businesses nationwide were damaged or looted, according to reports.
Authorities reinforced security with special police units, dog teams, mounted officers and anti-drone teams. About 15 water cannon vehicles and 20 armoured vehicles operated by the national gendarmerie were also expected to be deployed.
Shopkeepers in Paris boarded up storefronts and strengthened security ahead of the demonstrations. Near Place de la République, an area affected by last weekend's unrest, businesses and a bank branch installed wooden panels to protect their premises.
The protests, which began last month at a high school southeast of Paris, initially focused on staffing shortages and learning conditions but have since broadened to include anger over the cost of living and economic inequality.
Concerns over underfunded schools, staff shortages in disadvantaged neighbourhoods and university admissions have also fuelled student discontent.
Some demonstrations planned in Lyon, Nice and Montpellier were banned by local authorities, while marches were expected in Paris and Marseille. Trade unions criticised the restrictions, saying they violated the constitutionally protected right to freedom of expression.
Macron, who has faced mounting public discontent during his presidency, has defended the security measures as necessary to protect city centres, businesses and public buildings.UNI AAB
Tags: #France deploys 70#000 police ahead of protests# Paris museums close
More News

Ukraine Defence Ministry says speed, connectivity of Starlink restored after 2 weeks

24 Oct 2026 | 5:39 PM

Kyiv, Oct 24 (UNI) Ukraine's Defence Ministry today said that the speed and connectivity of the satellite networks used by its military had been fully restored after two weeks of restrictions that hampered drone operations.

see more..

Iran’s Pezeshkian to meet Putin in Moscow on Oct 27

24 Oct 2026 | 4:17 PM

Tehran/Moscow, Oct 24 (UNI) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday during a visit to attend a summit of gas-exporting countries, Iranian media reported on Saturday, citing Tehran’s ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali.

see more..

UN chief says UN is needed more than ever as organisation marks 81st anniversary

24 Oct 2026 | 3:47 PM

New York, Oct 24 (UNI) United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Saturday said the UN was needed more than ever, reaffirming its role in promoting peace, development and human rights as the organisation marked its 81st anniversary.

see more..

Four Philippine Air Force pilots killed in trainer aircraft crash

24 Oct 2026 | 3:00 PM

Manila, Oct 24 (UNI) Four Philippine Air Force pilots were killed when two SF-260 trainer aircraft crashed during a training flight at an air base south of Manila, the military said on Saturday.

see more..

France deploys 70,000 police ahead of protests, Paris museums close

24 Oct 2026 | 2:51 PM

Paris, Oct 24 (UNI) France deployed 70,000 police and gendarmes nationwide on Saturday and closed several major Paris museums as authorities prepared for fresh protests, a week after widespread looting, arson and attacks on public buildings exposed security vulnerabilities and increased pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government.

see more..