Paris Museums Close as France Prepares for Protests Amid Rising Tensions
In anticipation of new protests, major Paris museums have shut down and shops are barricaded, reflecting growing tensions in France.
PARIS, Oct 24: Major museums in Paris have closed their doors and many shops are barricaded as France braces for another wave of protests focused on the rising cost of living.
Authorities deployed around 70,000 police officers nationwide, along with helicopters and armored vehicles, to prevent unrest similar to last weekend’s violence, which saw over half a million demonstrators take to the streets. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated, “We must prevent a repeat of last week’s rioting.”
The Louvre, Orsay Museum, and Picasso Museum are among the venues that have shut down in anticipation of the protests. In addition, the NFL’s first game in France, scheduled for Sunday, is still on, though associated venues have closed, and a planned soccer match has been postponed until Monday.
Across France, shopkeepers have been actively barricading their stores, particularly near hotspots like Place de la République in Paris. Following last week’s demonstrations, approximately 3,000 shops suffered damage or looting. One bank and several businesses in the area are now boarded up to deter potential looters.
Protests are expected in Paris and Marseille, while local authorities in cities like Lyon, Nice, and Montpellier have banned demonstrations. A student who spoke with CBS noted, “There’s like an escalation because people think the government is not listening.” In another protest in Orleans, demonstrators expressed anger towards both President Emmanuel Macron and far-right leader Marine Le Pen.
Given the protests originated last month over demands for better conditions from high school students, tensions remain high as lawmakers prepare for upcoming elections. The situation in cities outside of Paris has also deteriorated, with incidents of arson and violence reported in Limoges.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
