French police protest erupted in Paris as thousands of officers marched over pay, staffing shortages, equipment and working conditions.
The mobilisation began near the Champs-Élysées before moving toward the National Assembly. Alliance Police Nationale led the demonstration. Officers travelled from several parts of France to make their concerns heard.
The protest comes after months of growing tension between police unions and the Interior Ministry. In particular, officers want better financial recognition for the risks they face at work.
Police Demand Higher Risk Allowance
One of the main issues involves the special police duty allowance, known as ISSP. Police unions describe it as their risk allowance.
The allowance has not increased since 2019. Meanwhile, unions argue that police work has become increasingly demanding and dangerous.
Alliance Police Nationale also wants more money for administrative, technical and scientific staff. In addition, the union is demanding better career progression and higher staffing levels.
Alliance estimates that the police need between €300 million and €500 million in additional funding each year to meet these demands.
Officers also say they need better equipment and enough colleagues to handle their workload.
One officer in Rennes described the situation as alarming before the march. He said shortages, equipment problems and weak pay recognition were making conditions increasingly difficult.
Unions Push for Action
The latest protest followed a September 4 meeting between Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and major police unions, including Alliance, Un1té and UNSA Police.
The unions said that meeting failed to deliver enough progress on their budget demands. However, Tuesday’s discussions offered some hope of movement.
After meeting Nuñez following the demonstration, Alliance secretary-general Fabien Vanhemelryck said the minister had listened to the unions’ concerns.
Vanhemelryck said authorities showed an awareness of the seriousness of the situation. He added that Nuñez asked the officers for a few days while he worked on a plan.
That response marked a more positive tone after weeks of frustration.
Police Mobilisation Could Continue
The dispute has been building since the summer. Alliance launched its “zero initiative” campaign in July, and Un1té later joined the movement. The unions then set September 15 as a major day of mobilisation.
Police unions are also preparing for further pressure as professional elections approach in December.
At the same time, the government faces difficult budget decisions. Therefore, police leaders want concrete commitments rather than more promises.
For officers on the streets, the message remains straightforward: they want fairer pay, enough staff, reliable equipment and greater recognition for the risks of the job.
The Paris demonstration has now put those demands firmly back in the national spotlight.
