France tightens security in anticipation of weekend protests

French authorities, led by President Emmanuel Macron, have imposed a series of security measures across the country to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s violent protests. Curfews have been extended, gatherings banned and public transport restricted in major cities, while police deployments will rise by 20 percent. The actions come as student groups and the Yellow Vest movement plan rallies for the weekend, despite the government’s tight restrictions.

Security measures announced Macron’s defence council met on Friday to discuss the response after more than half a million people demonstrated last Saturday, leading to violence and looting. Paris extended its nighttime curfew until Monday, while Marseille and Lyon introduced curfews and banned gatherings for the upcoming Saturday. The government also ordered a 20‑percent increase in police presence, acknowledging it had been unprepared for the scale of the unrest.

Student and protest group response Only union demonstrations were authorised for the weekend, prompting criticism from student groups whose recent protests over school conditions have merged with broader grievances about living costs. UNEF, France’s main student union, announced rallies for Saturday, and the Yellow Vest movement filed plans for a march through central Paris. Macron was scheduled to meet student representatives on Friday, but UNEF said its demonstrations would proceed.

Economic and cultural impact Shops and businesses in major cities have been urged to close, and cultural venues are shutting down. The Louvre and the Louis Vuitton Foundation will be closed on Saturday, while the Paris edition of Art Basel will end early on Friday. Authorities say the restrictions aim to keep public order amid the planned protests.

Since last Saturday’s violence, 2,700 people have been arrested, according to the Ministry of Justice. The government says further decisions will follow after the defence council meeting.

Source: Al Jazeera.