France Grapples With 135 Arrests as 70,000 Police Standby for National Rally Congress

In a day that felt like a bureaucratic circus, French authorities reported 135 arrests across the country by 1 p.m. on Saturday as protests rolled in from a coalition of Yellow Vests, trade unions and students, all converging while the far‑right National Rally held its congress in Orléans.

Fearing a repeat of the chaos that erupted the previous weekend, officials said they expected to mobilise about 70,000 police officers – roughly the size of a small army – to keep order and deter looting or vandalism during the demonstrations.

The protestors marched with demands for better study conditions and a boost to purchasing power, echoing the grievances that have fueled the Yellow Vests movement for years.

Amid the swirl of vests, placards and police helmets, the atmosphere was equal parts fervent rally and theatrical performance, with the National Rally’s delegates in coordinated attire facing crowds that could have been mistaken for a moving street‑art installation.

Authorities have pledged to keep the streets safe as the protests continue into the night, while the National Rally proceeds with its congress under heightened security measures.