State Department Warns of Protests Near Le Pen Convention After 2,400 Arrests in France
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Oct 20
State Department Warns of Protests Near Le Pen Convention After 2,400 Arrests in France
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Oct 20
Summary
An internal State Department assessment warns antifascist groups plan a potentially more confrontational protest near Marine Le Pen's National Rally convention in Orléans on Oct. 24-25.
The alert follows Oct. 17 unrest that drew 550,000 people to 110 marches nationwide, overwhelmed police and ended with more than 2,400 arrests and nearly 1,000 injured officers and firefighters.
National Rally President Jordan Bardella has refused to cancel the congress, while local authorities prepare tighter security for a Saturday left-wing march and a separate Sunday protest near the venue.
Emmanuel Macron faces rising pressure after Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez admitted police lost control in some cities; Macron rejected his resignation and ordered a full review of intelligence failures.
The assessment says the violence has shifted France's debate from living-cost grievances to public security, potentially helping National Rally before the 2027 race as more strikes and protests loom on Nov. 5.