French authorities are mobilizing police officers and military personnel for the protests expected this weekend

Riana Gegiu

23 October 2026, 12:43

International

Foto: Shutterstock.com

Always see our news on Google

French authorities are preparing a massive mobilization of law enforcement forces and the military ahead of a new wave of protests against the high cost of living, scheduled for this weekend. The decision follows last week’s demonstrations, which descended into violence, looting and thousands of arrests.

The Interior Ministry will increase the number of deployed police officers by 20%, with at least 75% of the force expected to take part in operations. Authorities may deploy special units, helicopters, water cannons and armored vehicles, while military personnel will protect sensitive sites. Previous protests affected approximately 3,000 stores and led to the arrest of 2,700 people.

President Emmanuel Macron announced that only demonstrations organized by trade unions would be authorized, a measure criticized by the left-wing opposition and trade union organizations. Students, unions and political parties are calling for better public services and measures to combat rising prices.

Tensions have also increased pressure on markets. The spread between French and German 10-year bond yields reached 175 basis points, the highest level since the end of 2011. Investors fear that political instability will make it more difficult to reduce the budget deficit, while Moody’s could downgrade France’s sovereign rating.

‌,

Context: protests in France have escalated into violence, and the government has begun imposing restrictions and mobilizing security forces

At last weekend’s protests, demonstrations against the high cost of living degenerated into clashes with police, looting, and arson. In Paris, significant numbers of arrests were made (855 people), and the figure subsequently reached approximately 1,200 arrests. At the same time, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that 150 police officers and gendarmes had been injured.

Authorities restricted mobility and gatherings in the capital (including banning gatherings on the Champs-Élysées in areas near public buildings and train stations), while police temporarily banned the transport of canisters and bottles containing gasoline or gas. The government also announced the launch of an investigation into the riots, as Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez presented a security plan to Parliament and, for static guard missions, military personnel from Operation Sentinelle (around 10,000 troops, mainly near sensitive sites) had previously been mobilized during major events such as the 2024 Olympic Games.