Thousands of French Police Protest Nationwide Against Resource Shortages

On January 31, 2026, police officers across France took to the streets in widespread protests to denounce insufficient resources and support amid rising violence. According to the Alliance police union, between 15,000 and 20,000 demonstrators assembled in Paris, starting their march at Place de la Bastille. These rallies occurred in around twenty cities nationwide, including Nice, Rennes, Toulouse, Dijon, and Grenoble.

In Paris, participants carried banners stating "Citizens with the police, stop insecurity, stop impunity" and signs proclaiming "Without police, it's chaos" and "All cops are heroes." Notably, far-right political figures such as Sarah Knafo and Thierry Mariani joined the Paris protest, while in Nice, local politicians Christian Estrosi and Éric Ciotti supported the demonstration alongside approximately 1,500 police officers. Smaller protests also took place in Dijon and Grenoble, with a counter-protest backed by left-wing groups occurring in the latter city.

The Alliance union highlighted an increase in street violence and a lack of adequate resources. Lionel Ricaud, the union secretary in Toulouse, cited escalating attacks requiring police escorts for firefighters. The Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez refused to join the protests, citing the need for neutrality. He countered claims of shortage by stating that since 2017, internal security forces had increased by 12,500 jobs, real estate credits had doubled, and 19,000 new vehicles purchased. Additionally, Nuñez announced a forthcoming 100 million euro budget increase for the national police and plans to create 1,000 new roles, including 700 in the judicial area.

These protests underscore ongoing dissatisfaction within the police force over support and operational resources, reflecting broader concerns about public security and the challenges facing law enforcement in France today.