French President Emmanuel Macron possesses a secret bunker located in the Paris suburbs, intended as a refuge in the event of rioters storming the Elysee Palace, according to a new book. The claims come from "La Nouvelle Armee des Ombres" (The New Army of Shadows) by investigative journalists Pierre Gastineau, Antoine Izambard, and Franck Renaud.
France has recently experienced widespread protests against Macron's government, with demonstrators demanding higher wages and expressing support for a student protest movement concerning staff shortages and education funding. Union and student groups have planned further demonstrations, while the Yellow Vests movement intends to hold a separate rally in Paris despite an official ban.
The book suggests that preparations for such a refuge were partly influenced by the 2018 Yellow Vest uprising, during which Macron faced an attack. Authors reportedly stated that the government "trembled" amid the unrest, drawing lessons from the 1934 riots that led to a government's downfall. Plans for presidential evacuation in serious civil unrest scenarios were then considered.
Authors also indicate that authorities fear a victory for Marine Le Pen's National Rally could trigger a "third round" of protests involving radical Left activists, youth, and rural militants. A victory for Jean-Luc Melenchon, who current polling suggests could reach the presidential run-off, might provoke "passive resistance" from within the police force, according to the book.
Senior sources cited in the book claim Paris police chief Patrice Faure has held meetings focused on preparing for the risk of insurrection. France's foreign intelligence agency has reportedly practiced scenarios for electoral interference, and Paris police spent a day operating without smartphones to prepare for potential cyber-attacks.
One senior spy reportedly warned the authors in April about imminent major revolts in France, though intelligence chiefs allegedly underestimated the scale of the chaos that unfolded on October 17, with actual protester numbers significantly exceeding predictions.
The book also touches upon ongoing protests and potential political outcomes. Student groups and trade unions have organized a march against the high cost of living and in support of young people. However, Yellow Vest activists have planned a separate rally, which has been banned in the area near the presidential palace.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the deployment of 70,000 police officers and security forces nationwide, stating readiness to confront any rioters or looters. While many demonstrations have been peaceful, some have seen clashes with police or vandalism, including significant rioting on October 17. Authorities aim to prevent a repeat of that unrest, though 642 arrests were made during the November 5 protests, which were described as generally going well despite some clashes.
Criticism has been raised regarding the police response, with investigations into alleged brutality. Press freedom organizations have reported instances of journalists being obstructed and physically assaulted while covering the demonstrations.
Macron's government is facing challenges as the end of his presidency approaches in May 2027. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu is scheduled to discuss wages and purchasing power with trade unions and employers' organizations. Unions are advocating for increased wages, including a rise in the minimum wage, tax reforms, and improved learning conditions for young people. However, the government's ability to meet these demands is constrained by the need to manage the national debt.