France mobilizes 70,000 police for Saturday protests, with drones and armored vehicles deployed in Paris and Orléans

France has mobilized 70,000 police and gendarmes for protests on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with drones, helicopters, and armored vehicles deployed nationwide. Authorities are focusing on Paris and Orléans, where demonstrations are expected during the Rassemblement National party congress. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the security deployment following incidents during protests on October 17. Specialized units including RAID, GIGN, and BRI will support operations, while 24 Paris metro stations are closed from 9:00 AM. Demonstrations are banned in Marseille and Lyon, with participants facing fines up to 135 euros. Protest organizers risk six months in prison and a 7,500 euro fine, while violent assembly participation can draw one year imprisonment and a 15,000 euro fine. Several Ligue 1 matches, including PSG versus Lyon, have been postponed due to security concerns.