French authorities deploy 70,000 officers for Saturday protests; Louvre and other museums closed

French authorities are preparing for another round of protests scheduled for October 24, following weeks of violent unrest. To prevent further chaos, some 70,000 law enforcement officers will be deployed across France, with Paris closing major tourist attractions like the Louvre to ensure safety. The previous week's demonstrations led to more than 3,000 stores being looted and over 2,700 arrests.

The Interior Ministry has announced a significant increase in police presence, including the deployment of special intervention forces typically reserved for counter-terrorism missions. Helicopters, water cannons, and armored vehicles will also be available across many cities to manage potential violence.

Protest organizers plan to denounce the high cost of living, with students, members of the CGT labor union, and activists from the "yellow vest" movement set to join in the demonstrations. President Emmanuel Macron's government is working on a public-relations campaign to prevent another weekend of chaos and has acknowledged failures in judgment during the previous protests.

In response to growing insecurity, gun shops have reported an eight- to tenfold increase in demand for non-lethal self-defense devices, as residents no longer trust police protection. This surge in security measures reflects both domestic concerns about public order and international worries over France’s economic stability. Analysts argue that continued instability bolsters the case made by far-right political parties ahead of the 2027 elections.