France deploys security forces as nationwide protests and political rallies converge amid high tension

PARIS — Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators are expected to turn out across France for a fourth consecutive weekend of protests demanding increased government funding for schools alongside cost-of-living and housing measures.

The demonstrations arrive amid heightened national tension following a deadly shooting on Friday west of Paris, where a gunman targeted non-white individuals, killing one person and injuring five others, including a child. The French president characterized the incident as a “racist terrorist attack.”

In response to the unrest, French authorities increased policing levels by 20%, mobilizing 70,000 police officers and soldiers onto the streets, including elite units and trainee officers, while restricting designated protest routes. The security mobilization follows widespread property damage during previous weekend demonstrations, during which hundreds of shops were smashed and looted over two nights in Paris, Marseille, and Bordeaux.

Public infrastructure has faced significant disruption. Many Paris metro stations, major museums, and tourist sites have closed, and businesses nationwide have been urged to board up and shut their doors. In Orléans, tram lines are suspended and bike-sharing rentals have been removed from the city center. Meanwhile, Marseille authorities reversed an earlier decision to suspend public transport services on Saturday following a public outcry.

Concurrently, Orléans is hosting the national conference of Marine Le Pen’s far-right, anti-immigration National Rally party, which marks the official launch of her presidential campaign. Around 5,000 party members and officials gathered on Saturday, with 10,000 attendees expected for Le Pen’s campaign rally scheduled for Sunday.

The political gathering has drawn substantial opposition. Between 20,000 and 30,000 counter-demonstrators are expected to participate in an Orléans march organized by left-wing groups against racism, fascism, and imperialism. Left-wing political figures attending the counter-march include Olivier Faure, Sophie Binet, and Bally Bagayoko.

Beyond France, similar demonstrations are taking place in Italy, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Albania, and Ireland as European cost-of-living protests persist.