French Police Doctrine 'Inadequate' After October 17 Violence, General Says

French authorities lost control during October 17 protests as rioters carried out widespread looting, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to demand a new crowd-control doctrine. A senior gendarmerie general called the security response "catastrophic" and the current approach "inadequate." Retired General Bertrand Cavallier said authorities deployed traditional mobile forces but failed to anticipate the massive influx of suburban youths who dispersed into cities to pillage. He cited insufficient personnel and repeated the major error seen at the 2022 Champions League final at Stade de France. Cavallier recommended permanent prepositioned forces, zone-control operations with armored vehicles, and civilian police support. He warned of escalating violence, potential foreign interference from countries like Algeria, Turkey, Iran, and Russia, and urged vigilance ahead of the presidential election.