France deploys military personnel ahead of new nationwide protests

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Oct 20, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-10-20-2200
France deploys military personnel ahead of new nationwide protests
Photo: Ziarul de Gardă

France has announced an unprecedented security operation, deploying military personnel alongside law enforcement after nationwide protests degenerated into violence.

French authorities have announced a massive security deployment, including military personnel, ahead of upcoming nationwide demonstrations over rising living costs and educational issues. The move follows last weekend's protests, which saw over 500,000 participants and degenerated into severe violence across multiple cities.

President Emmanuel Macron condemned the unrest, stating that "nothing justifies this violence." While acknowledging peaceful protesters' economic grievances, Macron pledged swift legal action against those responsible for looting and vandalism, insisting that offenders must pay for damages. Clashes during the previous demonstrations resulted in one death, approximately 1,000 injured police officers, and around 2,000 arrests. French officials attributed the escalating chaos to extremist groups, prompting Interior Minister Laurent Nunez to authorize heightened security measures to restore public order.

Sources: Ziarul de Gardă, Newsmaker, Moldova1, Adevărul, HotNews

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