France will deploy 70,000 police officers and gendarmes on Thursday, November 5, for a national day of protests, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced on Wednesday. Authorities expect just over 220 public actions, most of them declared by the inter-union group. The security operation will be similar to those used on October 24 and 31, with officers instructed to act with “extreme firmness.”
Authorities said agreements on protest routes had been reached in almost all cities, with routes intended to avoid sensitive sites and some city centres, including areas where incidents occurred on October 17. Some disagreements have been taken to administrative courts.
In Paris, police have barred the route requested by the unions between Bastille and Concorde, which Nuñez said posed risks. A march from République to Nation has instead been authorized. The unions are challenging the police order before the administrative court.
Nuñez said the security forces’ primary task would be to ensure demonstrations remained peaceful and could finish without disturbances. However, intelligence services have reported sustained interest from the far-left movement and violent protest groups, which could form black blocs.
Authorities are also concerned about unsanctioned marches that could head toward public buildings, as well as looting and damage to businesses or public property. Nuñez said these risks were similar to those identified for the October 17, 24 and 31 protests, adding that arrests would be made if disturbances occurred.
Sources: Le Monde Politique.