French authorities are deploying roughly 70,000 police officers across the country ahead of planned demonstrations on Saturday, bracing for potential violence after recent cost-of-living protests escalated into nationwide riots, looting, and arson.
The security mobilization prompted foreign diplomatic missions, including the Philippine Embassy, to issue urgent security advisories instructing their nationals to avoid demonstration corridors, monitor local developments, and prioritize personal safety.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced Friday that security forces will deploy armored vehicles, water cannons, mounted units, helicopters, and surveillance drones to maintain order. The announcement followed security consultations with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and President Emmanuel Macron.
“We will be uncompromising with rioters, looters and all those who commit acts of violence,” Nuñez told reporters. Referring to intelligence reports of hard-left factions calling online for attacks on public infrastructure, he added: “We are not talking about a nice, friendly demonstration. We will be extremely vigilant, extremely firm, and we will let absolutely nothing pass.”
The heightened posture follows demonstrations last weekend over escalating fuel costs and the rising cost of living, which began peacefully but rapidly deteriorated into clashes across Paris, Marseille, Lyon, and several regional centers. In Limoges, a fire set during demonstrations caused extensive damage to the city hall. The French Ministry of Justice reported that approximately 2,700 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest.
Anticipating disruptions, major cultural venues across the capital, including the Louvre Museum and the Art Basel fair, announced closures for Saturday.
In response to the volatile environment, the Philippine Embassy in France directed members of the Filipino diaspora to stay clear of large assemblies and remain apolitical.
“Avoid protest sites, large gatherings, areas experiencing clashes, and locations where violence or property damage has been reported. Do not approach crowds out of curiosity, and leave the vicinity immediately if tensions escalate,” the embassy stated, emphasizing that it does not take sides in domestic political debates.
Security concerns have also expanded to neighboring Italy, where demonstrations organized by a group calling itself the October 17 Movement are scheduled across major metropolitan centers including Rome, Milan, Florence, and Turin.
The Philippine Embassy in Rome released a concurrent advisory warning travelers and residents of expected clashes, while Philippine Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed that government agencies have established emergency communication lines to monitor the welfare of workers throughout both nations.
