The French government will close the Louvre, Orsay and Picasso museums Saturday, Oct. 24, as nationwide protests are planned and officials prepare heightened security, Anadolu Agency reported.
The Culture Ministry separately urged institutions under its supervision to protect visitors and staff and preserve works.
Jean-Didier Berger, minister delegate to the Interior Ministry, told BFMTV that security deployments would be 20% higher than during the Oct. 17 demonstrations, Anadolu Agency reported. Berger also said officials had recalled personnel and canceled leave. He said the deployment would include Sentinelle troops and police specialists from GIGN and RAID.
President Emmanuel Macron said demonstrations not organized by trade unions would be banned wherever possible, particularly over the weekend. Anadolu Agency reported that prefects would review union requests.
Anadolu Agency said Yellow Vest demonstrators and students joined nationwide rallies the previous weekend over living costs and fuel prices. Local curfews followed violence and damage to businesses and public buildings, the agency reported. Unions have called a nationwide strike and protest day for Nov. 5, Anadolu Agency said.
