France deploys massive police force for October 24 demonstrations

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu promised on Tuesday a "massive" police deployment for demonstrations scheduled for October 24, a week after unrest that erupted on October 17. Speaking in parliament during questions to the government, Lecornu acknowledged that the previous security response had shown weaknesses. According to franceinfo, he stated that "the doctrine will be revised in terms of resources, in volume of course, in terms of forces deployed and in terms of responsiveness and mobility."

The government has instructed regional prefectures to increase police numbers. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez acknowledged that the October 17 deployment had been "too static and not mobile enough." The executive promises to "obviously step up" for October 24.

Beyond police reinforcements, France is considering deploying military forces to strengthen security, according to reporting by NOS. The aim would be to free up police for riot control by assigning soldiers to certain fixed surveillance duties. The government is also examining the possibility of banning certain demonstrations.

President Emmanuel Macron is to chair a security council on Thursday morning bringing together the Prime Minister and intelligence services to assess "the implementation of intelligence, anticipatory and security measures for the coming weeks," according to the Élysée. On Wednesday, Lecornu is to meet with five representative trade unions to discuss the securing of protests and responses to high school students.

The Yellow Vests coordinating body announced on Monday an "act two" for Saturday, October 24, with dozens of actions already planned across France. The government expects close scrutiny in the capital. After two nights of localized curfews in Marseille and Toulouse following violence the previous weekend, authorities are preparing for a large-scale mobilization.