France Deploys 70,000 Officers as Nationwide Cost-of-Living Protests Erupt
French police used tear gas in Paris as 70,000 security personnel mobilized nationwide for massive protests over the cost of living, wage stagnation, and public spending cuts.
French police deployed tear gas in Paris on Thursday to disperse protesters attempting to block school entrances, as the country braces for a nationwide wave of demonstrations. Authorities have mobilized 70,000 police and gendarmerie officers across France to handle over 220 planned protest actions.
Clashes and Mass Mobilization
According to reports from the French newspaper Le Monde, police used tear gas to disperse students and demonstrators attempting to block entrances to the Hélène Boucher school in the 20th arrondissement and the Honoré de Balzac school in the 17th arrondissement. Another incident took place at the Place de la Bastille, where police detained dozens of trade union representatives from the United Kingdom who had arrived to express solidarity with French demonstrators.
The nationwide wave of protests was renewed on Thursday, driven by public anger over the cost of living, wage erosion, and cuts to public services. French intelligence estimates suggest that between 40,000 and 80,000 people are expected to march in Paris from Place de la République to Place de la Nation, with an additional 500,000 to 700,000 protesters mobilizing across the country.
Security Measures and Government Response
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the deployment of 70,000 police and gendarmerie officers, supported by 26 armored vehicles, helicopters, drones, and approximately 15 water cannon trucks. "We will not tolerate breaches of public order, and there will be arrests," Nuñez warned, expressing concern over potential activities by radical left-wing groups and threats to businesses and public buildings.
The current unrest follows weeks of high tension, culminating in violent riots on October 17 that saw widespread looting and damage to public infrastructure. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon emphasized the authorities' resolve: "We are particularly vigilant because it is out of the question to experience October 17 again under any circumstances."
Trade unions are demanding higher wages, increased budgets for education and healthcare, and the cancellation of planned public spending cuts. Meanwhile, organizers of the yellow vest movement are calling for continued strikes and blockades ahead of further demonstrations scheduled for Saturday. French news agency data indicates that more than 12,850 people have been taken into police custody since the beginning of September in connection with the ongoing protest wave.
