France to deploy 70,000 police officers ahead of protests

The deployment comes after riots ripped through Paris and other major cities, with authorities accusing radical militants and young looters of taking advantage of protests to sow chaos. Thousands of stores were ransacked as police faced masked groups burning cars and buildings.

Massive Security Operation

Regular police officers will be reinforced by elite units, mounted police and heavy vehicles, equipped with helicopters, water cannon, drones and anti-drone systems. Nunez vowed to be "uncompromising with rioters, looters and all those who commit acts of violence."

Protest Restrictions

Authorities have approved only one protest march, organized by labor union CGT, on a limited route through Paris. They rejected requests by student union UNEF and Yellow Vest movement to hold separate rallies, though UNEF pledged to protest regardless.

Curfews will be maintained in designated areas, including restrictions between 11 pm and 6 am in two central Paris squares. Marseille initially banned all protests before allowing a union demonstration, while authorities aim to keep protesters away from Lyon's center.

Political Standoff

The government is differentiating between legitimate protests and violent unrest. Macron dismissed claims that Islamist extremists and migrants were driving the violence, instead pointing to far-left groups he accused of trying to stage a coup.

Macron met with secondary school students on Friday, but the meeting ended with pupils calling for more protests. Student representative Nathanael Combary said they were "not satisfied" and urged continued mobilization ahead of another meeting with the prime minister on Monday.