France Deploys 70,000 Police to Guard Against Mass Protests
Authorities expect up to 700,000 demonstrators and strikes in key sectors as President Emmanuel Macron faces renewed unrest five months before the presidential election.
By Rosa Wojcik ·
French authorities are bracing for a major day of civil unrest on Thursday, November 5, as hundreds of thousands of citizens prepare to march and strike.
Domestic intelligence officials estimate that between 500,000 and 700,000 people will gather in the streets outside Paris, according to BFM TV. In response, the government plans to deploy approximately 70,000 police officers across the country to maintain order.
President Emmanuel Macron held a defense and security meeting on Wednesday to coordinate the response. Government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon stated after the cabinet meeting that officials are “extremely vigilant” and determined to prevent a repeat of the riots seen on October 17. That earlier date saw looting and damage to shops and public buildings, which intensified criticism of the administration.
The current mobilization is driven by trade unions, including the left-wing CGT, and student groups. They cite rising living costs, deteriorating public services, and education as primary grievances. The movement began with student frustration over school conditions and concerns about youth opportunities before expanding into a broader challenge to the government.
Strikes will affect multiple sectors, including education and transport. The Education Ministry estimates that 17.5% of public primary school teachers will walk out. Unions also warned that rail services and public transport would face disruptions. State-owned utility EDF confirmed that power sector unions are participating in the action, following a mid-September strike that reduced electricity supply and delivery capacity at the Dunkirk LNG terminal.
Irma de Banville, a 19-year-old student in Paris, said that fear of police violence is discouraging some potential participants. The government has defended its police tactics while promising to investigate any instances of abuse. Meanwhile, an official close to Macron said the government aims to bring the unrest under control in the coming weeks. The official noted a decline in the number of blockaded high schools this week compared to earlier in the crisis, allowing the presidential election campaign to begin with less turbulence.
