France protests: 1.1 lakh march in Paris as 70,000 police deployed, museums shut

Paris: Around 110,000 people took to the streets of Paris on Saturday as protests over the rising cost of living, school conditions and strained public services continued across France. Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse crowds, according to the Associated Press (AP).

French authorities deployed around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide to prevent a repeat of the unrest witnessed the previous weekend. Security was tightened across major cities, with increased patrols, restrictions on demonstrations and the deployment of armoured vehicles, helicopters and water cannon, Reuters reported.

Several museums, cultural attractions and shops in Paris either closed or stepped up security ahead of the demonstrations. The precautions followed protests on October 17, when more than 500,000 people reportedly took to the streets across France, according to AP.

The previous demonstrations were followed by incidents of looting, arson, vandalism and attacks on public buildings. Around 3,000 shops and businesses were reportedly damaged or looted.

Louvre, Orsay and other museums shut

Several of Paris's prominent cultural attractions closed on Saturday as a precaution against possible unrest.

The Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Picasso Museum and Grand Palais were among the venues that shut their doors. The Grand Palais is currently hosting a major exhibition of works by artist Paul Cézanne.

The Tuileries Gardens, which connect the Louvre area to central Paris, were also closed. The Paris Opera shut both the Palais Garnier and Opéra Bastille, citing safety concerns for staff and visitors, Reuters reported.

Art Basel Paris, a major contemporary art fair being held at the Grand Palais, opened on Friday but cancelled its weekend programme amid concerns over potential violence.

More than 20 metro stations were also reportedly closed as authorities tightened security and managed movement around sensitive locations in the capital.

Shops board up windows amid fears of looting

Businesses across Paris spent the week preparing for possible violence, with shopkeepers boarding up windows, reinforcing entrances and hiring additional security staff to protect their premises from vandalism and looting, AFP reported.

Some retailers removed merchandise from shop floors, while others chose to remain closed for the day. Luxury stores around Place Vendôme, a prominent shopping district, also strengthened their security arrangements.

Stores associated with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Bulgari took additional precautions ahead of the demonstrations.

France deploys 70,000 police officers

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the deployment of around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across France, approximately 10,000 more than were deployed during the October 17 demonstrations.

The security operation includes specialist police units, helicopters, armoured vehicles and water cannon. Elite security teams and soldiers participating in France's anti-terrorism military operation have also been deployed to protect sensitive public buildings and prominent locations.

Security forces patrolled the Champs-Élysées, while police vans were stationed around the Arc de Triomphe, AP reported.

Nuñez warned that the government would take a firm approach towards looting and violence.

The expanded deployment follows criticism of the authorities' response to the previous weekend's unrest. President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged shortcomings in the preparations made by the authorities.

Paris protest route changed, demonstrations restricted

Authorities have altered protest arrangements to reduce the risk of violence in busy commercial districts.

Paris police changed the proposed route of a union-organised march, moving it away from the central Bastille-to-Nation route to a stretch between Porte d'Italie and Porte de Vincennes on the southeastern edge of the capital.

Police said the original route posed a public-order risk because it passed through areas where businesses had been targeted during the previous weekend's unrest.

Demonstrations were also banned or restricted in parts of Lyon, Nice and Montpellier, as well as several other cities. In Marseille, local authorities reversed an earlier restriction and allowed a union march to proceed.

Parts of Paris, including areas around Place de la République and Les Halles, were also subject to localised curfews.

The government said the restrictions were necessary to protect residents, businesses and public buildings.

Tear gas fired in Lyon

Despite the restrictions, demonstrations took place in several parts of France on Saturday.

In Lyon, police fired tear gas to disperse a group of around 150 people who had gathered in an area where demonstrations were prohibited, France 24 reported.

Officers moved in after protesters attempted to block a road near university buildings and a police station. Helicopters, armoured vehicles and riot police were also deployed in the city.

In Orléans, thousands of people marched against the far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, which was holding its congress in the city.

Protesters carried anti-fascist placards and criticised both Le Pen and Macron. The demonstration was organised by a coalition of trade unions, left-wing parties, student organisations and anti-racism groups.

Why are people protesting in France?

The demonstrations began last month when high school students protested against staff shortages and poor conditions in schools across the Paris region. The movement subsequently spread to other areas and developed into a broader campaign against rising living costs, low wages, deteriorating public services and economic inequality.

Students have raised concerns about teacher shortages, poorly maintained school facilities and difficulties accessing higher education. Their demands include additional university places, increased student grants and a freeze on rents in public student accommodation.

Workers and trade unions have also joined the demonstrations, calling for higher wages and pensions to help households cope with rising expenses.

Many protesters argue that public services are deteriorating even as ordinary families struggle to meet everyday costs, turning the demonstrations into a wider expression of discontent over France's economic and social conditions.