France deploys 70,000 officers as student protests return under tight restrictions

Paris authorities restricted Saturday's student march to a single route on the city's southeastern edge, a decision that angered participants who viewed the move as an attempt to limit the demonstration's visibility. The protest, part of a second wave of nationwide demonstrations, began at Porte d'Italie and was scheduled to end at Porte de Vincennes. Local officials designated this path as the only permitted itinerary after banning a previously negotiated central route between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. Demonstrators also noted that organizers outside of union groups were prohibited from holding their own events.

Participants included students, teachers, nurses, ecologists, and union representatives. They chanted slogans such as "Too many billionaires; We are preparing the revolution" and called for President Emmanuel Macron to resign. Emma, a podcaster and protester, described the route change as a tactic to drain the movement's energy. Monica, a retired public education worker, stated that the restrictions made the authorities appear to want the movement to remain invisible.

The government deployed more than 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across France to secure the demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed that 20 percent more personnel were on duty compared to the previous weekend. The elite RAID unit supported general police operations rather than directly managing crowds. This heavy deployment aimed to avoid a repeat of the events from October 17, when largely peaceful protests turned violent. That day, widespread looting and vandalism damaged thousands of businesses, and officials took more than 2,000 people into custody.

In central Paris, businesses closed early and covered shop windows with protective panels. Some retailers hired private security guards. At least 24 metro stations closed at the request of the police prefecture. The Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay closed for the day, and Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program.

By early afternoon, police reported arresting at least 135 people nationwide and seizing various weapons. Officials described the overall situation as calm. Protests were banned in the downtown areas of Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice. In Marseille, a union march proceeded under strict conditions, while police in Lyon used tear gas to disperse approximately 150 demonstrators.

The unrest began in mid-September when high school students blockaded schools over poor building conditions, staff shortages, and university admission policies. On Friday, Macron met with student representatives for the first time since the protests started. He promised additional teachers and a major overhaul of the Parcoursup admission system. Students said they would continue mobilizing until the government presents concrete actions. More than half a million people participated in the October 17 marches.

The political tension rises six months before the presidential election. Macron is barred from seeking a third term and must leave office in 2027. Marine Le Pen leads recent polls by a wide margin and has campaigned on law and order. In Orleans, thousands of people shouted anti-fascist slogans as the National Rally held a party congress. Authorities expected 20,000 to 30,000 people to join a counter-demonstration.

The Yellow Vest movement announced its own protest for October 31.