France Sends 70,000 Officers as Paris Museums Close

A force of 70,000 officers will be on duty across France on Saturday, while the Louvre and other major Paris museums close. The precautions follow last weekend’s fires, looting and clashes, which authorities called some of France’s worst unrest in years. The closures also cut short Art Basel Paris, which will not hold its weekend program. ^2,5

The force includes police and gendarmes, backed by helicopters, armored vehicles, water cannons and special units. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said officials had seen online calls for violence and looting, and promised firm arrests. The protests are driven by anger over living costs and strained public services. Students, members of the CGT labor union and Yellow Vest activists are expected to take part. The Yellow Vest movement first shook France with protests against social injustice in 2018 and 2019. ^5,7

The closures and police presence affect more than demonstrators. Museums say they are protecting visitors, staff and artworks, while businesses along march routes have boarded up their shopfronts. One report said about 3,000 stores and businesses were ransacked last weekend. Authorities have banned or limited gatherings in some cities, but marches are still expected in Paris and Marseille. The government is trying to separate public anger over costs and services from the looting and destruction seen during earlier protests. That distinction matters: the complaints remain, even as officials prepare to punish violence. ^6,7

Saturday’s demonstrations will test whether the heavy security operation can prevent a repeat of last week’s disorder without stopping peaceful protest. In Paris, the approved union march is set to run from Bastille to Nation, while officials rejected requests for other rallies. The Louvre, Orsay, Picasso Museum and Grand Palais exhibition spaces are due to remain closed on Saturday. ^8,4