France: Interior Minister warns of unrest during arms law protests

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has called for “particular vigilance” from prefects and security forces ahead of weekend demonstrations across France. The protests are directed against proposed legislation that would establish a presumption of legitimate use of weapons by law enforcement.

Opponents of the law, including over 150 organizations and political parties such as the Socialist Party, Les Écologistes, and La France Insoumise, argue the measure represents a “retreat of the rule of law” and grants a “license to kill” to police.

While many gatherings are organized by unions and associations, Nuñez warned in a telegram that incidents and public order disturbances are possible due to the anticipated participation of radical far-left groups. Protests are scheduled in several cities, including Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux, Nice, and Aix-en-Provence.