France Deploys Extra Police as Protests Prompt Closures and Route Changes

France deployed extra police and imposed transport and business restrictions on Saturday as demonstrations were planned in Paris, Orléans and other cities, a week after protests that the government said drew more than half a million people.

In Paris, police changed the route of an authorised trade union march shortly before the mobilisation. France 24 reported that the procession was redirected to run from Place d’Italie to Porte de Vincennes, although many demonstrators initially gathered at Place de la Bastille, the original starting point. Museums closed, some stores erected barricades and the NFL House in Paris shut ahead of the street protests, according to CBS News and ESPN.

France 24 described the nationwide demonstrations as focused on the cost of living and said the movement grew out of high school students’ protests over poor conditions and limited resources. In Lyon, where demonstrations were banned, police used tear gas to disperse about 150 people who gathered to protest.

Orléans also introduced extensive restrictions ahead of a march opposing the National Rally party’s weekend congress. The city closed three Loire bridges, suspended tram service and restricted vehicles in the centre. Most central shops were ordered to close, while pharmacies, food stores, bars, restaurants and hotels were exempt. The protest route was moved away from the cathedral and city centre, with France 3 reporting that nearly 3,000 officers were assigned to the city.