OMM Newsroom
The Louvre, Orsay and Picasso museums in Paris will remain closed on Saturday because of planned demonstrations, the French government said Thursday.
The Culture Ministry urged institutions under its supervision to take steps to ensure “the safety of visitors”, “the protection of staff” and “the preservation of works”, according to Anadolu Agency.
The closures come as authorities tighten security ahead of a new round of nationwide protests.
Security measures stepped up
Jean-Didier Berger, France’s minister delegate to the Interior Ministry, told BFMTV that authorities were maintaining a “maximum level of vigilance”. Security force deployments would be 20% higher than during demonstrations on Oct. 17, he said.
Berger said leave had been canceled and personnel recalled. Sentinelle military forces and specialist police units, including the GIGN and RAID, would also be deployed.
President Emmanuel Macron said demonstrations not organized by trade unions would be banned in the coming days, particularly over the weekend, “wherever possible”. Prefects would review requests submitted by unions.
Protests banned in parts of Lyon and Toulon
Authorities have banned demonstrations across Lyon and in central Toulon on Saturday. Shopkeepers have been urged to secure their premises and remove objects that could be used to cause damage.
Yellow Vest demonstrators and students rallied across the country last weekend over living costs and fuel prices. Violence and damage to businesses and public buildings led to localized curfews.
Unions have also called a nationwide strike and day of protests for Nov. 5.
