Gerald Darmanin told local broadcaster RTL that  3,500 officers will be deployed in Paris. He said the force’s duty is to guarantee security and will prepare a plan for the possibility that the demonstrations will continue until the reform draft is approved.

Darmanin said intelligence information indicates that a group of 1,000 people in Paris are likely to spark violence. This group includes "far-left members and ultra-yellows," referring to the violent wing of the Yellow Vests.

Eight labor unions in France called for a nationwide strike and demonstrations on Thursday after Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced the pension reform plan last Wednesday. The unions are expected to mobilize 2 million people to participate in the demonstrations.