Thousands march in Paris demanding stronger support for police

On January 31, tens of thousands of people gathered in Paris for a nationwide protest organised by the Alliance Police Nationale union, calling for stronger backing for law enforcement, improved working conditions, and increased resources.

According to the organisers, between 15,000 and 20,000 demonstrators took part in the Paris march, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The procession stretched from Place de la Bastille to Place de la Nation under a banner reading "Citizens with the police, stop insecurity, stop impunity.

The Paris event coincided with coordinated protests in about 20 other French cities, including Marseille, Nice, Lille, and Bordeaux, as well as several overseas territories.

Cyril Benoit, zonal secretary of the SNIPAT union representing administrative, technical, and scientific staff within the national police, was among the participants.

“We are not here to ask for pay rises. We are here to ask for staff and basic resources,” Benoit said, highlighting that staffing shortages affect both day and night shifts and sometimes force reductions in patrols.

The demonstration also drew activists concerned about growing hostility and legal exposure toward police officers. 

Alice Cardier, director of the Nemesis collective, said her group joined to express solidarity with law enforcement.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez did not attend the protest, citing rules requiring ministerial neutrality during union elections. 

“Even though I will not participate personally, the police movement has my full support and understanding,” he stated.

Nunez emphasised that the government has created 12,500 security jobs since 2017, doubled investment in police infrastructure, purchased 19,000 new vehicles, and added €100 million ($119 million) to the national police budget. 

He also announced plans to establish 1,000 new police positions, including 700 within the overstretched judicial branch.

Despite these measures, police unions insist that staffing shortages and challenging working conditions remain pressing and unresolved issues.

By Jeyhun Aghazada