Paris: France will deploy around 70,000 law enforcement officers across the country on Saturday as authorities prepare for renewed violence during protests over the high cost of living, according to reports.
The security measures follow last week’s demonstrations, which witnessed fires, attacks on public buildings, smashed shop windows, looting and clashes with police. The Louvre and several other major museums in Paris will remain closed as a precaution.
Students, members of the CGT labour union and activists from the Yellow Vest movement are expected to join Saturday’s protests. The movement led demonstrations against social injustice across France in 2018 and 2019.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuez said around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be deployed, supported by helicopters, armoured vehicles and water cannons. Elite police units will also help protect public buildings, including city halls, as part of a highly mobile security operation.
“There have been numerous calls from radical far-left groups on social media to commit acts of violence and vandalism. There have also been renewed calls for looting, with those messages clearly being spread by rioters,” Nuez said at a news conference.
“We will be absolutely uncompromising” with those involved in violence, he said, warning of a “very firm approach to making arrests, and there will be legal consequences”.
The Culture Ministry said the Louvre, the Orsay and Picasso museums, and the Grand Palais would remain closed to ensure visitor safety, staff protection and the preservation of artworks.
Art Basel Paris opened to the public on Friday after allowing invitation-only entry for two days. However, organisers cancelled the weekend programme, leaving the fair open for only one day amid concerns over unrest.
The event features exhibitions by 211 international galleries at the Grand Palais. Organisers said safety remained their utmost priority.
Indian art collector Saloni Doshi said fires and panicked people last Saturday had worried her. Gallery owners Antoine Donzeaud and Elisa Rigoulet also supported the closure, calling it reasonable amid France’s social unrest.
