France has stepped up security preparations ahead of nationwide demonstrations scheduled for October 24, with the government warning that it could prohibit public gatherings and major events if necessary to maintain public order.
Minister Delegate to the Interior Ministry Jean-Didier Berger said on Thursday that authorities were taking extensive precautions following unrest during protests over rising living costs and fuel prices on October 17.
“We are at a maximum level of vigilance” for October 24, Berger told French broadcaster BFMTV.
He stressed that the government was prepared to introduce further restrictions if security conditions deteriorated.
Berger said the authorities “absolutely rules nothing out in the coming days and weeks” when considering possible bans on demonstrations, cultural activities or sporting events.
The minister announced that the number of security personnel deployed for Saturday’s demonstrations would be 20% higher than during the October 17 protests.
He confirmed that police and other security personnel had been recalled from leave to strengthen the government’s response.
“We have canceled leave. We have recalled people who were supposed to be on leave and who will no longer be,” Berger explained.
The security operation will also involve Sentinelle military personnel, alongside specialist intervention units including the GIGN and RAID.
The increased deployment reflects government concerns about a possible recurrence of the disturbances reported during the previous weekend’s demonstrations.
Nationwide protests on October 17 brought together Yellow Vest demonstrators, students and other groups expressing frustration over the cost of living and rising fuel prices.
Authorities reported damage to commercial establishments and public buildings during the unrest, leading to the introduction of localised curfews in several French cities.
Further demonstrations are scheduled for October 24, while trade unions have also called for a nationwide strike and protest mobilisation on November 5.
Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron convened a meeting at the Élysée Palace with representatives of “all intelligence services” following criticism that security agencies had failed to anticipate the scale of the October 17 mobilisation.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and other relevant ministers also attended the meeting.
The discussions focused on the security situation ahead of the upcoming demonstrations, as authorities prepare for further protests and potential disruptions across France.