Charles III, Pope Francis and rugby games: A busy week for security forces in France

FRANCE 24 English

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00:00 It's shaping up to be a busy week for security forces in France, as the country prepares

00:05 to welcome King Charles III and Pope Francis, this all while it hosts the Rugby World Cup.

00:11 Rarely has France welcomed so many high-profile guests as well as events in several cities

00:16 at the same time, and authorities want as many boots on the ground as possible.

00:21 In a letter sent on Monday, the Minister of the Interior demanded that prefects mobilise

00:26 all available resources and departments under their authority to ensure a massive security

00:31 presence.

00:32 Rest and training days have been cancelled, with just 10 months to go till the Olympics,

00:36 the pressure is on to make sure everything runs smoothly.

00:41 This week is a little bit like a litmus test for the Olympic Games.

00:44 Our citizens and the world are watching to see how France is going to make this security

00:49 operation a success.

00:53 On Wednesday, King Charles will arrive in France, a visit that was originally scheduled

00:57 for March but got postponed because of security concerns.

01:01 Authorities are taking no risks this time round, with 8,000 gendarmes and police officers

01:06 set to be deployed across the country.

01:08 They'll also ensure security at a rugby match that will take place in Nice.

01:13 On Thursday, 10,000 officers will be on the streets.

01:16 Friday will see the King visit Bordeaux, while the city of Marseille will host the Pope.

01:21 12,000 security forces will be deployed.

01:24 And up to 30,000 gendarmes and police officers will be charged with keeping the country safe

01:28 on Saturday, with protests set to take place in several cities.

01:32 Marseille is gearing up to host the Pope, President Emmanuel Macron and thousands of

01:36 rugby fans.

01:38 The challenge we are facing is unprecedented.

01:41 It's unheard of for police officers.

01:42 It's going to be non-stop and we'll have to alternate.

01:45 There will be raid forces, gendarmerie, BRI forces and officers that are specialised

01:49 in the fight against drones.

01:52 The country's top snipers will be placed in strategic positions to shoot down any potential

01:56 threats.

01:57 Just one part of security plans that have been over two months in the making.

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