France assigns 70,000 officers for second national protest

French authorities deployed more than 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide on Saturday to manage the second wave of mass demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that this figure represented a 20 percent increase over the previous weekend's staffing levels. The deployment aimed to prevent a recurrence of the unrest seen on October 17.

In Paris, local officials permitted the march only along the Boulevards des Marechaux on the city's southeastern edge. The route began at Porte d'Italie and ended at Porte de Vincennes. This decision followed the ban on a previously negotiated central route between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. Authorities also prohibited protests organized by groups other than unions.

The last-minute route change drew criticism from participants who viewed it as an attempt to limit the movement's visibility. Emma, a podcaster and protester, described the move as a tactic to drain the movement's energy. Monica, a retired public educator, said the restriction made the authorities appear to want the movement to be invisible. Neither participant provided a last name.

Marchers in Paris included students, teachers, nurses, ecologists, and union representatives. Some demonstrators chanted for President Emmanuel Macron to resign. Groups shouted slogans such as "Too many billionaires; We are preparing the revolution" and "We are all anti-fascists." In central Paris, many businesses closed their doors and covered windows with protective panels. At least 24 metro stations closed at the request of the police prefecture, while the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay suspended their operations for the day.

The current demonstrations target deteriorating school conditions and rising living costs. The unrest began in mid-September when high school students blockaded schools over building dilapidation, teacher shortages, and university admission systems. More than 500,000 people marched on October 17, an event marked by looting and more than 2,000 detentions according to official figures. On Friday, Macron met with student representatives for the first time since the protests began. He promised additional teachers and a deep overhaul of the Parcoursup admission system, though students indicated they would continue mobilizing until concrete actions are presented.

By early Saturday afternoon, police reported at least 135 arrests nationwide and the seizure of various weapons, describing the situation as calm. Protests were banned in downtown areas of Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice. In Lyon, police used tear gas to disperse approximately 150 demonstrators. The Yellow Vest movement announced plans for another protest on October 31. In Orleans, thousands gathered to counter a National Rally party congress, with authorities expecting 20,000 to 30,000 people for the counter-demonstration.