France to deploy troops alongside police after weekend unrest

PARIS — The French government said on Tuesday it would deploy troops alongside police for a large security operation ahead of more protests planned for Saturday, according to The Express Tribune. The paper reported that the announcement followed rioting and looting on October 17 in Paris, Marseille, Lyon and other cities.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the deployment "will be massive." He said the immediate priority was to restore order. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the military would work with police, and the government pledged to change its tactics, according to the report.

Lecornu acknowledged intelligence failures and said police deployments had been too static. He also said authorities had erred by not cancelling planned police leave. Nunez apologised. "I deeply regret what happened. I accept my share of responsibility," he said.

Targeted curfews in several affected areas were extended to Tuesday night, police said. The curfews apply to some children and teenagers under 18. Police arrested a man suspected of starting a fire that destroyed a historic town hall in Limoges, officials said. Parliament is setting up a commission of inquiry, and 200 investigators have been assigned to track down those involved.

The report says Lecornu blamed far-left groups for the unrest. Far-left groups have accused the government of underestimating anger over living costs and public services. The report does not say how many people were arrested or injured.

Background

The unrest has raised concern ahead of presidential elections next year, according to the report. Candidates from the far right and hard left are polling strongly. The report also says French borrowing costs rose on Tuesday, with the yield on 10-year government bonds reaching its highest level in 24 years. Protests in Italy and Albania have raised concern that anger over living standards could spread across Europe.