French police deploy heavy security as nationwide protests yield over 1,300 arrests

French authorities deployed extensive security measures during nationwide demonstrations on October 24 and the Rassemblement National (RN) party congress in Orléans. Nearly 3,000 law enforcement officers were stationed in Orléans to manage an expected 20,000 to 30,000 counter-protesters. The Loiret prefecture prohibited unauthorized public gatherings in Orléans on October 25 and imposed a nighttime curfew for minors under 15. In Paris, police monitored crowds using surveillance drones.

Across France, the October 24 protests resulted in 1,314 arrests, with 126 people taken into custody in Paris. Officials reported that 53 security personnel sustained injuries during the demonstrations.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération.