# Fresh Protests Erupt in France: Museums Closed in Paris and 70,000 Police Deployed > Security has been massively stepped up across France amid new protests, with key Paris museums closed and 70,000 police officers deployed following last week's riots. **Type:** article · **Category:** Europe · **Published:** 2026-10-24 · **Source:** TrendKia **Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/europe/fresh-protests-erupt-in-france-museums-closed-in-paris-and-70000-police-deployed-51497 · **Language:** English **Tags:** France protests, Paris news, Emmanuel Macron, Laurent Nunez, France riots, Art Basel A fresh wave of tension has gripped various parts of France, prompting authorities to enforce stringent security measures across the country. Learning hard lessons from the severe violence and chaos witnessed in previous days, the government has deployed a massive security apparatus. Major cities, particularly the capital, are heavily guarded by security personnel to prevent a recurrence of the widespread vandalism that targeted public property and commercial establishments recently. ## Deployment of Heavy Police Force and Security Equipment Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that approximately 70,000 police officers have been deployed nationwide to maintain public order. Along with this massive manpower, authorities have mobilized helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons. With over half million people taking to the streets during the previous week's demonstrations, officials are anticipating large crowds once again and are taking no chances. ## Impact on Cultural and Commercial Activities As part of the stringent security protocol, prominent cultural landmarks and museums in Paris were ordered to remain closed on Saturday. These include world-famous institutions such as the Louvre, the Orsay Museum, the Picasso Museum, and the Grand Palais. Art Basel, one of the most prestigious contemporary art fairs globally, opened to the public on Friday, but organizers decided to cancel weekend events due to security concerns. Additionally, commercial establishments and banks near Place de la Republic in Paris, which was one of the major protest hotspots last weekend, were barricaded with large wooden boards to protect them from potential rioters. Following the earlier unrest, Paris police initially advised shopkeepers to hire private security guards, though authorities later clarified that safeguarding businesses and properties remains the government's responsibility. Last weekend alone, around 3,000 shops across France suffered damage or looting. ## Racially Motivated Shooting Incident Amid the ongoing unrest, a violent shooting incident in a Parisian suburb has further escalated tensions. French authorities have classified the incident as a racially motivated attack. On Friday, shots were fired from a vehicle in a suburb of the capital, resulting in one fatality and leaving at least five others injured, including a 12-year-old girl. The suspect was apprehended shortly after the shooting, and the French national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office has taken over the investigation. President Emmanuel Macron strongly condemned the incident, labeling it a racially motivated terrorist attack and noting that the suspect's statements indicated premeditation. Following a meeting with local residents and officials in the Trappes suburb west of Paris, Macron stated that victims were targeted solely based on their skin color or perceived religion, with no other justification. He emphasized that such acts have no place in France. Authorities have already initiated strict legal actions against those involved in the unrest. President Emmanuel Macron delivered a stern warning, stating that anyone who engaged in vandalism and destruction must pay the price, with over 2,400 rioters arrested so far. ## What this means for you The ongoing protests and security measures in France are having a direct and practical impact on local residents, business owners, and travelers. - **Across India:** There is no direct economic or domestic impact on Indian citizens, though tourists planning travel to Europe should stay alert regarding local safety conditions. - **In Paris:** Local residents in Paris and surrounding suburbs face significant travel disruptions and roadblocks due to heavy police deployment and closed public zones. - **For Businesses:** Shopkeepers and commercial owners are forced to invest in extra security measures, following damage and looting sustained by nearly 3,000 stores last week. - **For Tourists:** Visitors are unable to access major cultural landmarks like the Louvre and Orsay museums due to emergency closures. - **On Events:** Weekend programs for major cultural gatherings like Art Basel have been called off, causing disruptions for organizers and attendees. ## Why this happened The volatile situation in France has emerged in the aftermath of widespread riots, extensive vandalism, and a racially motivated shooting incident in a suburban area. - **Protest Background:** Last week's demonstrations involving over half a million people spiraled into looting and clashes, forcing authorities to ramp up security. - **Racial Attack:** A drive-by shooting in a Paris suburb left one dead and five injured, sharply escalating racial tensions and security concerns. - **Government Response:** To prevent a repeat of past anarchy and deter rioters, the administration deployed 70,000 security personnel backed by heavy vehicles. - **Official Investigation:** The national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office took over the shooting case after President Macron classified it as a premeditated racist attack. ## Questions & Answers ### 1. How many police officers have been deployed across France? Approximately 70,000 police officers have been deployed nationwide. ### 2. Which major Paris museums were closed? The Louvre, Orsay Museum, Picasso Museum, and Grand Palais were kept closed on Saturday. ### 3. Who announced the nationwide police deployment? Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the deployment of security forces. ### 4. How many people were injured in the suburban shooting? One person was killed and at least five others, including a 12-year-old girl, were injured. ### 5. What did the French President call the shooting incident? President Emmanuel Macron described it as a racially motivated terrorist attack. ### 6. Which art fair had its weekend events canceled? Art Basel canceled its weekend programs due to the threat of unrest. --- _TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.. Machine-readable view; canonical HTML at the URL above._