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- Authorities count 11,000 demonstrators, while organizers put turnout at 26,000 as mayor announces 2-night curfew for children under 15
UPDATES WITH PROTEST TURNOUT, COMMENTS FROM SOCIALIST PARTY OFFICIAL, DETAILS OF DEMONSTRATION; REVISES HEADLINE, SPOT AND LEDE; EDITS THROUGHOUT
By Melike Pala
BRUSSELS (AA) - Thousands of people protested Saturday against the far-right National Rally party's congress in Orleans, France, as the city's mayor imposed a two-night curfew on minors amid concerns over unrest, French broadcaster BFMTV reported.
The prefecture counted 11,000 demonstrators by noon, while organizers put the turnout at 26,000.
Socialist Party First Secretary Olivier Faure joined the demonstration, saying the march aimed to remind the public of the far-right party's political record.
Faure argued that the party's past policies had been harmful to France.
The march proceeded peacefully through the city center, following a route designed to form a large loop through the streets.
Demonstrators chanted slogans including "Macron resign," referring to French President Emmanuel Macron, and "Le Pen in prison," referring to Marine Le Pen's conviction in the parliamentary assistants case, which she has appealed to the Court of Cassation.
Earlier, Mayor Serge Grouard announced a two-night curfew for children under 15.
Grouard said the curfew would apply across the municipality from 9 pm local time to 6 am on Saturday and Sunday.
In a statement, the mayor said the preventive measure aimed to prevent disturbances to public order, reduce the risk of unrest and ensure public safety during the gatherings.
Police also seized several items during an operation at the Orleans toll plaza Friday night.
The seized items reportedly included petanque balls, a replica rifle, a hockey stick and a knife.
The protests come as the National Rally holds its congress ahead of next year's presidential election.
