More than 7,400 members of the security forces will be deployed on Wednesday during the May 1st demonstration in Paris, said Interior Minister Christophe Castaner, who promises "greater vigilance" to the announced presence of "1,000 to 2,000 radical activists". "Tomorrow in Paris, a strong device will be put in place and more than 7,400 police and gendarmes will be mobilized," said Christophe Castaner at a press point at the Ministry of the Interior.
1,000 to 2,000 radical activists expected
The interior minister fears the presence of "1,000 to 2,000 radical activists" during the demonstrations of May 1, after many calls to turn Paris into "capital of the riot" to which the government intends to respond with a device " exceptional size ". "According to the information we have, 1,000 to 2,000 radical activists, possibly reinforced with individuals from abroad, could try to spread disorder and violence, and they should be joined by several thousand of the right people. now to call 'ultra yellow', these 'yellow vests' which have gradually become radicalized, "said Christophe Castaner.
A device "of exceptional magnitude"
Secretary of State for the Interior Laurent Nuñez on his side promised Tuesday a security device of "exceptional magnitude" for May 1 in Paris. "We will not tolerate any exaction.The device that will be mobilized will be a device of exceptional magnitude, mobile, responsive, which will allow us to go to the groups that will commit abuses, to make the maximum of arrests," said Laurent Nuñez during questions to the government in the National Assembly. The Secretary of State, who spoke of a "very complicated day", spoke of "calls for demonstrations of some leaders of 'yellow vests', the ultra-left movement and the anarchist-autonomous movement.
A declared demonstration that was to leave the Pantheon in the morning was also banned by the Prefecture of Police, because it "poses risks of disturbance to public order and to the safety of people and property", including "in view of the expected presence of elements with high violent potential".