70,000 cops deployed, museums shut, shops boarded as France braces for fresh protests

Shopkeepers across Paris boarded up windows, reinforced entrances and hired extra security ahead of fresh protests to prevent possible looting and vandalism. France deployed around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country on Saturday as authorities stepped up security to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s flare-up during protest demonstrations over rising living costs, school conditions and strained public services.France is witnessing nationwide protests over rising living costs, poor school conditions, teacher shortages and declining public services. (REUTERS)Major museums, cultural venues and shops in Paris closed or strengthened security ahead of the protests, AP reported. Police patrols were increased, demonstrations were restricted in several cities and armoured vehicles, helicopters and water cannons were kept ready as the government prepared for another day of unrest.The preparations follow protests on October 17, when more than 5 lakh people took to the streets across France, the Associated Press reported. The demonstrations were allegedly followed by looting, fires, vandalism and attacks on public buildings. Around 3,000 shops and businesses were damaged or looted.ALSO READ | Indian embassy issues advisory for nationals in France amid violent protests: ‘Remain vigilant and exercise caution’Louvre, Orsay and other museums closeSeveral of best-known cultural attractions in Paris shut their doors on Saturday as a precaution. The Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, the Picasso Museum and the Grand Palais, which is hosting a major exhibition of works by artist Paul Cézanne, were among the venues that closed.The Tuileries Gardens, which connect the Louvre area to central Paris, were also sealed off. The Paris Opera closed both the Palais Garnier and the Opera Bastille, citing safety concerns for staff and visitors, Reuters reported.People stand in front of the Louvre Museum, which is closed all day due to the fears of renewed turmoil in Paris ahead of nationwide protests. (REUTERS)Art Basel Paris, a major contemporary art fair being held at the Grand Palais, opened to the public on Friday but cancelled its weekend programme because of the risk of unrest.More than 20 metro stations were also reported closed as authorities tightened security and managed movement around sensitive areas of the capital, as per Reuters.ALSO READ | Targeted curfews, protest bans: France steps up security after worst riots in years; 2,400 arrestedShops board up windowsBusinesses across Paris spent the week preparing for possible violence. Shopkeepers covered windows with wooden boards, strengthened entrances and brought in additional security staff to protect their premises from looting and vandalism, AFP reported.Some retailers removed merchandise from shop floors, while others decided to shut for the day. Luxury stores around Place Vendôme, a major shopping district, increased security.Stores associated with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior and Bulgari strengthened their security arrangements.Police deploy helicopters, armoured vehicles, specialist unitsInterior minister Laurent Nuñez announced the deployment of around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide -- about 10,000 more than were deployed during the October 17 demonstrations.The operation includes specialist police units, helicopters, armoured vehicles and water cannons. Elite security teams and soldiers from France’s anti-terrorism military operation have also been deployed to help protect important locations, including sensitive public buildings and prominent sites in Paris.ALSO READ | France protests ‘felt like war,’ say citizens as Macron slams ‘unrestrained violence’, blames far-left groups for unrestSecurity forces were seen patrolling the Champs-Élysées, while police vans were positioned around the Arc de Triomphe, as per AP. Nuñez warned that the government would take a firm approach to looting and violence.The expanded deployment follows criticism of the response to last weekend’s violence. President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged shortcomings in the authorities’ preparations.Protesters wave flags and carry banners behind French riot police during a demonstration in Paris, France. (Bloomberg)Paris protest route changed, demonstrations restrictedAuthorities have also changed protest arrangements to reduce the risk of violence in busy commercial areas. Paris police moved the planned route of a union-organised march away from the central Bastille-to-Nation route, proposing instead a route between Porte d’Italie and Porte de Vincennes on the southeastern edge of the capital.Police said the original route posed a risk to public order because it passed through areas where businesses had been targeted during the previous weekend’s unrest.ALSO READ | What France’s winter of discontent means for global governanceDemonstrations were also banned or restricted in several other cities, including parts of Lyon, Nice and Montpellier. Restrictions remained in force in a number of additional cities, while local authorities in Marseille allowed a union march to proceed after reversing an earlier restriction.Some areas of Paris, including parts of Place de la République and Les Halles, were also subject to localised curfews.The government said the measures were necessary to protect businesses, public buildings and residents.Tear gas fired in LyonDespite 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 gathered in an area where demonstrations had been banned, as per France24.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 group of unions, left-wing parties, student organisations and anti-racism groups.Why France is protestingThe demonstrations began last month when high school students protested against staff shortages and poor conditions at schools in the Paris region. The movement later spread to other areas and expanded into a broader campaign over rising living costs, wages, public services and economic inequality.Students have raised concerns about a lack of teachers, poorly maintained school facilities and difficulties accessing higher education. They are also demanding additional university places, increased student grants and a freeze on rents in public student housing.Workers and trade unions have joined the protests, calling for higher wages and pensions to help households cope with rising expenses. Many demonstrators argue that public services are deteriorating while ordinary families struggle to meet everyday costs.With inputs from agencies.Anita Goswami is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she primarily covers Indian and international news. With four years of industry experience, she has led coverage of Indian General elections, Assembly elections, and national polls in the United States, Canada, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Her reporting covers global wars and major events, including Operation Sindoor, Sheikh Hasina's ouster and the Mahakumbh Mela. She verifies facts and uses clear sources to ensure accurate reporting. As former Chief Copy Editor at Storytailors, she managed teams to produce top-quality content for networks like NDTV, Profit, CNBC-TV18, Upstox and News18. Her work is featured in NDTV, Meaww, and Global Pulse. Throughout her tenure, Anita has collaborated with and been mentored by top industry experts. When not reading, Anita can be found outdoors or at a bakery. Fields of interest: Indian political history, international elections, historical policy analysis, global conflicts, cultural events, Formula 1, art, media ethics and reporting on socio-political change over time.Read MoreFranceProtestLouvreGet the latest World News, breaking headlines and global updates from the US, UK, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and other countries. Follow major international events on Hindustan Times.