As we approach the new year, the French government is prioritizing public safety during Year’s End celebrations due to the high terrorist threat level stemming from conflict in the Middle East. A total of over 90,000 police officers, gendarmes, and 5,000 soldiers from Operation Sentinelle will be on duty on Sunday, December 31st.

To bolster security measures, the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, has announced the deployment of 73 mobile units, including five units of the new CRS8, and several helicopters. In specific areas of Paris, the sale and consumption of alcohol will be prohibited, and protest demonstrations will also be banned.

Anticipating larger-than-usual celebrations, the festivities will see 6,000 law enforcement personnel deployed from 6 PM to midnight. Security checkpoints will be set up, and the sale of items that could be used as weapons, such as knives, will be prohibited within the event perimeter.

A turnout of 700,000 to 1 million people on the Champs-Elysées and over 1.5 million spectators across the capital city is expected. To accommodate large crowds, giant screens along the famous avenue and surveillance drones will be deployed.

Law enforcement will be prepared to respond to any circumstances and will patrol the entire Paris metropolitan area. Minister Darmanin noted a 45% increase in the seizure of fireworks compared to the same period last year.

Additional security measures will be implemented in Overseas territories, particularly in Guyana and Mayotte, as well as in two cities in mainland France, Charleville-Mézières and Romans-sur-Isère. With a significant terrorism risk, intelligence services are fully engaged to ensure public safety and security.

As we anticipate the New Year’s Eve celebrations, it is crucial for everyone to cooperate with the security measures put in place to ensure a peaceful transition into the new year. Let’s welcome the coming year with exuberance and hope while prioritizing safety.