French PM blames ultra-left groups for weekend riots and promises massive security deployment

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on Tuesday, 20 October, accused radical ultra-left groups of preparing an "insurrectionary plan" that, in his account, led to violent rioting over the weekend. The unrest broke out on the sidelines of nationwide protests over the cost of living. The government is now preparing for further protests scheduled for this coming Saturday.

The prime minister's statement

Speaking in a raucous session of parliament, Lecornu condemned what he called the planning, in certain locations, of an insurrectionary plan led by far-left and ultra-left fringe groups. He said the authorities would not tolerate such groups "marching on the Elysée or Matignon", the offices and residences of the president and the prime minister in Paris.

Military forces to support police

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told the National Assembly that some military forces would be deployed during Saturday's protests. He said the Sentinelle force would be used as a substitute for the interior security forces. Its role would mainly be to free up police and gendarmes so they can carry out their mission of maintaining order.

Lecornu, for his part, said the police deployment for Saturday's demonstrations would be "massive". His stated goal is an "immediate return to order".