Amid fresh unrest, France braces to deploy military forces this weekend during Saturday protests
Military planned for Saturday protests
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said France is preparing to deploy military forces during protests planned for Saturday. The move follows a weekend of demonstrations across the country.
Police response and curfews
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said police deployment for Saturday’s demonstrations would be massive, with the aim of restoring order immediately. His remarks came after violent riots over the weekend.
The French government imposed partial curfews, including in Paris and Nice, following riots and looting during nationwide protests. Thousands of people were arrested, and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin promised an unrelenting response to violence.
Unrest beyond France
Similar incidents also occurred in Belgium, Albania and Italy. Italy’s government is set to send 500 army troops to defend Milan.
Trump cites French riots
US President Donald Trump invoked the unrest in France at a Monday rally, warning Americans about what he said could happen if Democrats win next month’s midterm elections. The rally supported Republican Senator Roger Marshall, who faces Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton.
Key points
- France plans to deploy military forces during Saturday’s planned protests.
- The demonstrations follow nationwide unrest over public services and living costs.
- Partial curfews were imposed, and thousands of people were arrested.
- France asked Vinted and eBay to remove listings for goods suspected of being stolen.