France's Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has announced that 90,000 members of the security forces will be mobilised across the entire French territory on Wednesday ahead of the New Year celebrations.
"On New Year's Eve, many people go out into the streets to celebrate the arrival of the new year. It is therefore essential to ensure the safety of all these people," Nuñez told France Inter radio on Tuesday.
"A total of 90,000 police officers and gendarmes will be mobilised. I have reiterated the instructions, which are to act with firmness and authority".
He also referred to his concerns over "the traditional end of year urban riots that occur in certain neighbourhoods, where mortars are thrown at law enforcement officers".
In Paris and its inner suburbs, some 10,000 police officers, gendarmes and soldiers from Operation Sentinelle – whose mission is to protect the public from terror attacks – will be deployed, the police prefecture said.
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Large crowds are expected in the capital, particularly on the Champs-Élysées, despite the cancellation of the planned live concert due to security concerns. In its place will be a fireworks display at midnight and a video projection on the Arc de Triomphe.
These concerns include the possibility of a terrorist attack and the risk of a stampede, which was narrowly avoided last year and will be "taken very seriously" this year, Nuñez said. "There will be a significant security presence, a protected perimeter and, as every year, things will go smoothly,"
Last year, incidents occurred in several French departments across the country, including Bas-Rhin, where Strasbourg is located; Haut-Rhin, also in the east; Rhône, home to Lyon; Bouches-du-Rhône, where Marseille is the largest city; Var, to the east of Marseille and home to the Côte d'Azur, and Alpes-Maritimes, further east along the southern coast.
"The areas experiencing difficulties are the same as in recent years," the minister noted.
Intelligence services have recorded "less urban violence than projected for 2024, but more use of fireworks and mortars in police and gendarmerie zones" in recent weeks.
Nuñez said all necessary administrative measures have been implemented ahead of the New Year celebrations, including a ban on the retail sale of fuel, fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices.
Drink driving
Police have been put on alert for other events in the capital as the year comes to a close, such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football matches, currently being held in Morocco, which could lead to unrest in France, the Interior Ministry has warned.
On Sunday evening, Algeria's qualification for the round of 16 sparked incidents that were "quickly contained" in Toulouse, Marseille, Lille and Roubaix.
Furthermore, a police presence will be deployed for the large prayer service scheduled for Wednesday at 7pm in the Bercy district of Paris, as part of the Taizé Christian community gathering, which has been taking place since Sunday.
Festive spirits bubble while year-round drinking drops in France
Authorities will also be on the alert for drink driving, as French families prepare to travel for the festivities.
According to a new poll by the national Road Safety Association, 50 percent of respondents said they intend to spend the evening away from home, compared to 41 percent in 2024 – and 26 percent indicate they plan to drive, compared to 21 percent in 2024.
The online survey conducted from 25 November to 6 December among 1,000 French people also found that 79 percent intend to consume alcohol during New Year's Eve, averaging 3.2 drinks – figures that have remained stable in recent years. Fifty-five percent say they will drink more than four drinks.
