France braces for new protests as Yellow Vests return to streets

France is bracing for a new wave of unrest on Saturday, as several groups—including the Yellow Vests movement—have called for demonstrations across the country. Authorities fear a repeat of the riots that broke out last weekend.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the deployment of 70,000 police officers nationwide, emphasizing that the heavy security presence aims to prevent violence and looting.

Nunez noted that there have been numerous calls for violence and looting by agitators. He added that several protests have already been banned, and that any permitted demonstrations must have organizers supervising them and must not take place in locations vulnerable to looting or public disorder.

In preparation for the protests, luxury retailers in France have boarded up their glass storefronts and increased security, while some shops have chosen to remain closed after being looted earlier in the week.

Groups such as the National Union of Students of France (UNEF) and the Yellow Vests movement—which emerged in 2018 as an anti-establishment protest—plan to march in central Paris today to protest rising living costs and cuts to public services.

The Yellow Vests

The yellow vest has become a symbol of popular protest in France since 2018. Its widespread use stems from a 2008 government regulation requiring every driver to keep a yellow safety vest in their vehicle for emergencies.

As a result, yellow vests became common in every home and car, making them an accessible symbol for protest without the need for special purchase.