France Deploys 70,000 Police for Second Weekend of Cost of Living Protests

France has entered its second consecutive weekend of nationwide demonstrations over the rising cost of living. To prevent a repeat of the previous week's disorder, government authorities significantly increased their security presence in major cities.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez reported that police detained 135 individuals on Saturday. Officers seized a wide array of items from the crowd. These included metal balls, lead pellets, fireworks, slingshots, and improvised tools. The list also featured a katana and airsoft guns. Nuñez stated that no major incidents had occurred yet. He confirmed that up to 70,000 officers were on duty. These forces were supported by helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons.

In Lyon, authorities had banned the demonstrations. Roughly 150 protesters near the city center attempted to block a road for a short time. Police used tear gas to clear the area. A 21-year-old student who spoke to Agence France-Presse on condition of anonymity noted the heavy police presence. He described the officers as really mobile. He added that they disperse marches before they even form.

In Orleans, thousands of people marched against a political event. Marine Le Pen, the leader of the far-right National Rally party, was using the congress to launch her campaign to succeed President Emmanuel Macron. With elections six months away, polls indicate Le Pen is the strongest candidate. Protesters chanted slogans targeting both leaders. They called for Macron to resign and for Le Pen to be imprisoned. Police counted 11,000 participants. Organizers claimed the number was 26,000. About 50 groups, including unions and left-wing parties, called for the protest. Media reports said the event ended peacefully in the early afternoon. The congress is set to continue through Sunday.

The atmosphere in Paris was described as calm by officials. Hundreds gathered at the Porte d'Italie for the city's only approved march. Police moved the route from Bastille to the southeastern edge of the city at the last minute. Union organizers accepted the change reluctantly. Murielle Guilbert, a union representative, called the decision scandalous. She argued that Macron barred protesters from demonstrating where they wished. She also noted that wages have not risen to expected levels. A student named Lucas told CBS Saturday Morning that it is normal for people to be angry.

The protests have disrupted daily life in the capital. Major museums have closed their doors. Many businesses have boarded up their windows. Art Basel opened on Friday for a single day. Organizers canceled the weekend program. The first NFL game in France, featuring the New Orleans Saints, remains scheduled for Sunday. However, some related venues were shut on Saturday. A soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais has been moved from Sunday to Monday night. Last weekend, approximately 3,000 shops across France were damaged or looted.

The current wave of unrest began last month. High school students in the southeast of Paris started the movement by demanding better conditions. The protests expanded as people sought relief from high living costs. The Yellow Vests, a group that emerged about eight years ago to protest against Macron, plan to hold more demonstrations on Oct. 31. They intend to stage rallies and a sit-in outside parliament and city halls. They are condemning what they call the authoritarian drift of the government.

Similar unrest has spread to other parts of Europe. Italy sent extra soldiers to Milan after looting and clashes occurred a week earlier. Premier Giorgia Meloni announced tougher penalties for minors. Police said these individuals made up much of the violent crowd. In Tirana, Albania, riot police used water cannons on students. These protesters demanded lower tuition and an end to corruption in education. Thousands of retirees marched in Madrid over pension concerns. A housing protest is also expected in Lisbon.