France protests: More violence feared amid renewed demonstrations

French authorities announced the deployment of approximately 70,000 police officers on Saturday as the country braces for renewed nationwide protests. The heightened security measures aim to prevent a recurrence of the violence that marred mass demonstrations over social inequality exactly one week ago.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned at a news conference in Paris that calls for violence and looting were circulating on social media. Several restrictions have been imposed across the country, including bans on a union-led march on one route in Paris that organizers plan to disregard, citing safety concerns about the proposed alternative.

Leading museums in Paris, including the Louvre, will remain closed during the protests. The demonstrations occur at a critical political moment for France, with elections scheduled in six months to elect a successor to President Emmanuel Macron.

Shooting declared terrorist attack

President Macron has condemned a shooting near Paris on Friday in which one person was killed and five others injured, including a 12-year-old girl. Macron called the attack "a turning point," stating it was a terrorist act that was planned to kill our compatriots, our children, based on the color of their skin or their religion.

Authorities reported that the victim killed was of "African origin," and most of the injured were also from foreign backgrounds. The shooting is likely to further fuel tensions ahead of Saturday's protests, with some far-right politicians blaming immigration for the violence that occurred during demonstrations on October 17.

Protests spread across Europe

The current wave of protests in France follows largely peaceful demonstrations by high school students over learning conditions. The demonstrations have spilled over into other European countries, with Italy expecting mass demonstrations in eight cities, including Rome and Milan, on Saturday.

Polls have indicated that the latest events may have boosted the popularity of far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who is currently shown as the frontrunner in the upcoming presidential election. The protests reflect growing discontent over rising cost of living, declining social services, and inequality across France and other European nations.