Paris, Oct 2026 : French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced a massive security deployment for next weekend as authorities prepare for fresh demonstrations following violent riots that erupted alongside nationwide protests over deteriorating living conditions.
“The deployment for next Saturday will be massive,” Lecornu told Parliament, acknowledging that the security arrangements during the previous weekend’s demonstrations had been “too static and not mobile enough”.
The Prime Minister accused radical far-left groups of pursuing what he described as an “insurrectionary plan” that contributed to the violence. The government has come under pressure to restore public order as demonstrations over economic hardship and declining public services have escalated in several major cities.
Paris police have imposed temporary restrictions on carrying petrol or gas in cans and bottles, as well as possessing fireworks, in an effort to prevent further violence.
The government said overnight curfews in areas affected by the unrest had helped ease tensions in some of France’s largest cities. In a post on X, Lecornu said the targeted restrictions had contributed to a calmer night and indicated that they could be extended into the coming week wherever necessary.
In central Paris, police cleared and secured Place de la République overnight, while a helicopter monitored the area from above. In Lille, northern France, where the curfew applied only to minors, officers patrolled the city centre and checked the identities of people passing through.
Marseille Mayor Benoît Payan also announced curfews for minors in commercial districts most severely affected by the weekend’s riots. The restrictions were scheduled to take effect on Monday night.
The unrest comes amid a convergence of student demonstrations and broader public anger over the rising cost of living. High-school students have protested against declining educational standards and the deteriorating condition of school facilities, while other demonstrators have highlighted concerns over rising prices and inadequate access to healthcare, housing and welfare services.
The protests reflect growing dissatisfaction among sections of the population who believe their basic needs are no longer being adequately addressed.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said 149 people detained during the weekend’s disturbances were awaiting trial. In a separate television appearance on Monday evening, he stated that approximately 2,500 people remained in custody for questioning.
Meanwhile, protests over living conditions and economic pressures have also spread beyond France, with demonstrations reported in countries including Italy and Albania. Clashes have accompanied some of these protests, reflecting similar public grievances.
In Portugal, police clashed with housing protesters during a dawn operation in Lisbon on Tuesday as authorities dismantled tent encampments in the capital. Fifty-five people were arrested during the operation.
The demonstrators are protesting against soaring housing costs and are seeking to align their movement with similar actions in neighbouring Spain. In Madrid, protesters have maintained tent encampments in central areas for several weeks to draw attention to the housing affordability crisis.
With fresh demonstrations expected in France next weekend, the government is preparing a significantly expanded security operation. Authorities face the challenge of preventing further violence while responding to widespread concerns over living costs, public services and housing affordability.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
