Protest Routes: Paris Limits March to Single Avenue as 70,000 Officers Deployed

French authorities restricted the main protest route in Paris on Saturday, permitting marchers to use only a single loop along the Boulevards des Marechaux. This decision overturned a previously negotiated plan that would have allowed demonstrators to move through the city center between Place de la Bastille and Place de la Nation. Local officials stated that the southeastern route between Porte d'Italie and Porte de Vincennes was the only option available, a move that excluded protests organized by groups other than unions.

The Interior Ministry reported that more than 70,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed across the country for the second wave of demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that this represented a 20 percent increase in personnel compared to the previous weekend. The elite RAID unit supported general police operations rather than managing crowds directly. These measures followed the events of October 17, when official figures recorded more than 2,000 arrests and widespread damage to businesses during largely peaceful protests that were marred by looting and vandalism.

Participants in the Paris march included students, teachers, nurses, ecologists, and union representatives. Many businesses in central Paris closed early, and retailers installed protective panels on shop windows. At least 24 metro stations closed at the request of the police prefecture, while the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay suspended operations for the day. Art Basel Paris also canceled its weekend events. Police confirmed the situation remained calm by early Saturday afternoon, though they recorded at least 135 arrests nationwide and seized various weapons.

Protesters expressed frustration over the route change. Emma, a podcaster and participant, described the restriction as a tactic to drain energy from the movement. Monica, a retired public education worker, said the move appeared designed to make the movement invisible. Neither protester provided a surname. The crowd chanted slogans such as "Too many billionaires; We are preparing the revolution" and called for the resignation of President Emmanuel Macron.

In other cities, protests were banned in the downtown areas of Montpellier, Rouen, and Nice. A union march in Marseille proceeded under strict conditions, while police in Lyon used tear gas to disperse approximately 150 demonstrators. The Yellow Vest movement announced it would hold its own protest on October 31.

The current unrest stems from issues that began in mid-September, when high school students blockaded schools over building conditions, teacher shortages, and university admission systems. On Friday, Macron met with student representatives for the first time since the protests began, promising additional teachers and a review of the Parcoursup system. Students indicated they would continue mobilizing until the government presents concrete actions.

The political stakes are high with a presidential election scheduled for early 2027. Macron is barred from seeking a third consecutive term. Marine Le Pen, who leads recent polls, is campaigning on restoring law and order. In Orleans, thousands of anti-fascists protested near a National Rally party congress, with authorities expecting 20,000 to 30,000 people to join the counter-demonstration.