France Mobilizes 70,000 Officers as Second Wave of Protests Begins

Thousands of demonstrators marched peacefully through Paris and other cities across France on Saturday, marking the start of a second wave of mass protests focused on the rising cost of living and deteriorating conditions in schools. For ordinary residents, this meant shuttered storefronts, boarded-up windows, and the closure of at least 24 metro stations in the capital, along with the temporary shutdown of the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Art Basel Paris also cancelled its weekend programme in response to the security situation.

Authorities mobilized more than 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide, a significant escalation intended to prevent a repeat of the widespread looting and vandalism that marred largely peaceful protests on October 17. That day, thousands of businesses were damaged or ransacked, and more than 2,000 people were taken into custody. In response to these concerns, the Paris prefecture banned an originally negotiated central route for the march, restricting the procession to a southeastern perimeter instead.

This last-minute change to the itinerary angered participants, with some viewing it as an attempt to drain the movement's energy and make the protest invisible. The march proceeded from Porte d'Italie to Porte de Vincennes, a route local authorities said was the only one permitted. Furthermore, protests organised by groups other than unions have been prohibited.

In central Paris, many businesses were shuttered and shop windows were covered with protective panels, and some retailers hired private security. At least 24 metro stations were closed at the request of the police prefecture, and the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay closed for the day, while Art Basel Paris cancelled its weekend programme.

By early Saturday afternoon, police reported at least 135 arrests nationwide and the seizure of various weapons, while acknowledging the overall situation remained calm. Protests were banned in the downtown areas of several other cities, including Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice. A union march in Marseille was authorised under strict conditions, and in Lyon, police fired tear gas to disperse about 150 demonstrators.

The underlying grievances stem from mid-September, when high school students blockaded schools over dilapidated buildings, teacher shortages, and what they perceive as an unfair university admission system. On Friday, President Emmanuel Macron met student representatives for the first time since the protests began, promising additional teachers and a deep overhaul of the Parcoursup system. However, students stated they will continue mobilising until concrete actions are presented. More than half a million people took to the streets on October 17.

The political stakes are high as the country prepares for a pivotal presidential election in approximately six months, with Macron barred from a third consecutive term and due to leave office in 2027. Marine Le Pen, who has long campaigned on restoring law and order, leads recent polls by a wide margin. In Orleans, thousands shouted anti-fascist slogans as her National Rally held a party congress marking the start of its campaign, while authorities expected 20,000 to 30,000 people to join a counter-demonstration.

While police reported a calm situation nationwide by early afternoon, the Yellow Vest movement announced its own protest for October 31, suggesting the cycle of demonstrations may continue. The government faces pressure to address student demands regarding education funding and admissions while simultaneously maintaining public order, a balance that remains difficult to achieve amid ongoing mobilisation.