Thousands march in Orléans as National Rally holds congress launching Le Pen's presidential bid

In brief

• Thousands marched in Orléans on Saturday against the National Rally congress, which opens Marine Le Pen's campaign for next year's presidential election.
• Local media reported more than 10,000 protesters, and about 50 parties, unions and groups backed the march.
• Authorities deployed 70,000 police nationwide, 10,000 more than on October 17, when unrest broke out.

Protest against the far-right congress

Thousands of anti-fascist demonstrators marched through Orléans on Saturday to oppose the National Rally congress held in the city, south of Paris. Local media reported more than 10,000 people, and roughly 50 political parties, unions and organisations had called for the march. Protesters targeted both Marine Le Pen and President Emmanuel Macron, carrying banners against the far right and chanting slogans. (Tūkstančiai žmonių Prancūzijoje protestavo prieš Le Pen partijos suvažiavimą – LRT) (France: Thousands march in Orléans against National Rally congress – France 24)

Congress and campaign launch

The gathering was set to formally kick off Le Pen's bid for the presidency and to re-elect Jordan Bardella as party leader. The vote is due in six months. Supporters were expected in large numbers, and local authorities prepared for possible clashes between the two camps. (France: March against National Rally in Orleans – France 24) Authorities had also anticipated tens of thousands of demonstrators, according to German reporting. (RN-Parteitag in Orléans: Proteste bei Parteitag der Rechtspopulisten in Frankreich erwartet – ZEIT ONLINE)

Nationwide security operation

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has deployed 70,000 police across the country for Saturday's demonstrations, a rise of 10,000 compared with October 17, when vandalism and looting broke out. Soldiers from an anti-terrorism unit patrolled Paris, including the Champs-Élysées, and police vans were stationed near the Arc de Triomphe. Nuñez urged officers to be "hyper-reactive" toward troublemakers. (France mounts huge security operation as protesters prepare to march – Investing.com)

Background of unrest

Anger over the cost of living and strained public services has brought students, workers and unions back onto the streets in recent weeks. A rally a week earlier had turned violent.