Paris Tightens Security, Closes Museums Amid Fears of Renewed Protests
Authorities deploy 70,000 officers and close major cultural sites like the Louvre to prevent violence as demonstrations against the cost of living are planned.
French authorities are bracing for potential unrest as an estimated 70,000 law enforcement officers are set to be deployed across the country on Saturday. The Louvre and several other prominent Paris museums, including the Orsay and Picasso museums, will be closed as a precautionary measure against renewed violence during planned protests.
Last week's demonstrations escalated into widespread rioting, characterized by arson, vandalism, looting, and clashes with police, marking some of the most intense civil unrest in France in recent years. Protesters, including students, members of the CGT labor union, and activists from the "yellow vest" movement, are expected to take to the streets again to voice grievances over the high cost of living.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the extensive security deployment, which will include helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons. Elite police units will be tasked with securing public buildings through a "highly mobile" operation. Nuñez cited calls for violence and vandalism circulating on social media from radical far-left groups, warning that authorities would be "absolutely uncompromising" and adopt a "very firm approach" to arrests and legal consequences.
In response to the security concerns, the French Culture Ministry confirmed the closure of the Louvre, Orsay, Picasso museums, and the Grand Palais. The ministry advised all its affiliated institutions to implement necessary measures for visitor and staff safety and the preservation of artworks.
The prestigious art fair, Art Basel Paris, which had experienced limited public access due to previous events, was forced to cancel its weekend program entirely. Organizers cited the threat of unrest as the reason for the cancellation, emphasizing that the safety of attendees and staff was their priority.
An art collector from India, Saloni Doshi, expressed her concern following the previous week's events and supported the decision to close, noting that friends had inquired about the safety of Paris. Gallery owners Antoine Donzeaud and Elisa Rigoulet echoed this sentiment, calling the decision "reasonable and consistent with the urgency of the social demands."
Beyond Paris, a demonstration is scheduled in Orléans, approximately 70 miles south of the capital. This protest is organized by about 50 groups, including labor unions, left-wing parties, and anti-racism organizations, to oppose the nationalist, anti-immigration party led by Marine Le Pen. Organizers anticipate 20,000 to 30,000 participants. Le Pen, who is polling as a front-runner for the upcoming presidential election, criticized the left-wing groups for attempting to disrupt her party's congress but stated she had no security concerns due to government assurances.