ARFrench authorities plan to deploy 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide this Thursday to manage protests against rising living costs and deteriorating public services. Intelligence agencies warn of potential violence, noting that far-left groups aim to infiltrate union-led demonstrations to attack shops and law enforcement. This event, referred to as Act IV of the current protest movement, follows three previous days of action in October and could see participation levels comparable to the March 2023 pension reform strikes. The Ministry of the Interior has intensified preparations to prevent a repeat of the October 17 riots, which resulted in over a thousand injuries among security forces and significant property damage. Security measures include riot units, armored vehicles, water cannons, helicopters, drones, and elite intervention units like the BRI, RAID, and GIGN. Additionally, administrative restrictions such as banning certain objects and closing transport stations are being considered, while police monitor social media for calls to insurrection.
Bias read (Center): The report relies exclusively on official government and police assessments regarding security risks and deployment logistics, presenting the state perspective without incorporating counter-narratives from protesters or independent observers.
