PARIS: France will deploy military personnel alongside police and launch a major security operation ahead of planned protests on Saturday, following widespread rioting and looting across several cities.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced the measures on Tuesday, acknowledging serious shortcomings in the government’s response to the violence that erupted on October 17. Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other cities witnessed clashes, vandalism and attacks on public and commercial properties.
“The deployment next Saturday will be massive,” Lecornu said, stressing that restoring public order remained the government’s immediate priority.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez also admitted failures in the security response and apologised for mistakes. Officials acknowledged intelligence shortcomings, insufficient redeployment of police and the failure to cancel planned leave for officers ahead of the unrest.
Meanwhile, authorities extended targeted curfews in several affected areas after a relatively calm night. Some restrictions specifically applied to children and teenagers under 18.
The government has also assigned around 200 investigators to identify and arrest those involved in the violence. Police arrested a suspect on Tuesday over a fire that destroyed the historic town hall in Limoges. Officials said the man was on a security watch list and belonged to an ultra-left group.
However, the unrest has intensified political tensions as France prepares for next year’s presidential election. Lecornu blamed far-left groups for the violence, while critics argued that the government had underestimated public frustration over rising living costs and deteriorating public services.
Further demonstrations are expected on Saturday, including protests organised by student groups opposing what they describe as inadequate education funding.
The unrest has also raised concerns about political stability and economic pressures across Europe, where similar disturbances have occurred in Italy and Albania.
For the latest updates, visit and follow The Truth International website (www.thetruthinternational.com) and subscribe/follow the TTI YouTube Channel, Instagram, and Facebook
