In France, on Saturday, October 24, the largest museums in Paris will be closed due to the threat of new unrest during mass anti-government protests. To ensure security across the country, 70,000 police officers and gendarmes are being mobilized.
This was reported by Le Monde and The Art Newspaper, citing statements by French authorities.
The French Ministry of Culture announced the temporary closure of the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée Picasso, the Musée de l'Orangerie, and the Grand Palais. Similar decisions were made by several other cultural institutions, including the Fondation Louis Vuitton, the Fondation Cartier, and the Bourse de Commerce contemporary art museum.
The ministry explained that the restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety of visitors and staff, as well as to protect works of art from possible damage.
Due to the threat of unrest, the organizers of the Art Basel Paris international contemporary art fair also canceled events scheduled for October 24 and 25. The fair, held at the Grand Palais with 211 galleries from various countries, opened to the public only on Friday, October 23.
The decision will affect visitors who had purchased tickets in advance and traveled to Paris specifically for the event. The organizers promised to contact ticket holders for the canceled days.
According to information from the official Paris tourist portal, on October 24 the Musée Carnavalet, the Petit Palais, the Victor Hugo House Museum, and several other cultural sites will also be closed.
At the same time, most shops, restaurants, and tourist sites in the capital will continue to operate. Visitors are advised to check information on the institutions' websites in advance, as additional restrictions may apply.
70,000 security forces deployed to contain protests
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced a large-scale public order operation on October 23. According to him, on Saturday about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes will be deployed to the streets of French cities — 10,000 more than during previous mass protests.
The operation will involve public order police units, mobile gendarmerie forces, and special units RAID, GIGN, and BRI. The latter will be used mainly to guard important sites and support regular police units.
In addition, law enforcement agencies have prepared about 20 Centaure armored vehicles, 15 water cannons, helicopters, and other special equipment.
Nuñez warned that police will firmly suppress attempts to loot shops, attack government institutions, and clash with law enforcement.
In some cities, authorities have already banned certain demonstrations. In particular, restrictions have been imposed in Lyon, where serious clashes and vandalism occurred during previous protests.
A new mass rally is scheduled in Paris for October 24, starting at 2:00 p.m. local time. Nighttime movement restrictions for citizens also remain in place in the central districts of the capital.
France braces for a new wave of unrest
The heightened security measures were prompted by the events of October 17, when mass actions against the high cost of living and in support of students escalated into clashes with police, arson, and looting of shops.
Commercial properties, vehicles, and administrative buildings were damaged in several cities. French authorities acknowledged that they initially underestimated the scale of possible unrest.
According to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, by October 23, 232 people had been taken into custody after the previous unrest. More than 1,100 detainees appeared before judicial authorities, and prosecutors launched investigations into alleged organized criminal activities.
As previously reported by Kurs.com.ua, on October 20 French authorities extended a localized curfew in Paris and several other cities. The restrictions were introduced to prevent further vandalism and protect commercial enterprises.
Protest actions are planned in various regions of the country for October 24. In addition to socio-economic demands, some demonstrations will have a political character.
In particular, a large-scale action is expected in Orléans against the National Rally party, which is holding its convention there. Local authorities estimate that between 20,000 and 30,000 people may take part in the demonstration.
The French government hopes that the increased police presence and temporary closure of vulnerable sites will prevent a repeat of the events of the previous weekend.
