France to deploy military forces ahead of nationwide protests

AKIPRESS.COM – French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that the government will deploy Sentinelle military forces ahead of planned nationwide protests on October 24, BFMTV reported.

Military personnel will guard stationary facilities to free up police officers and gendarmes for public order duties.

Admitting shortcomings during the previous weekend’s protests—where tens of thousands demonstrated against rising living costs and deteriorating public services, resulting in over 2,000 arrests and reports of looting—officials promised a massive, highly mobile police presence supported by specialized BRI, GIGN, and RAID units, helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons.

The Ministry of the Interior is also considering banning unannounced demonstrations and authorized marches if organizers cannot guarantee safety.

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu noted that previous police deployments were too static, while Nuñez pledged a firm and rapid response to maintain order.

The protest movement, which began in September with suburban student demonstrations, expanded significantly across major cities including Paris, Marseille, Toulouse, Angers, and Lyon.