France deploys 70,000 security personnel ahead of Saturday protests

French authorities have announced the deployment of 70,000 security personnel across the country on Saturday to secure anticipated protests, amid concerns over a resurgence of violence and looting that affected French cities last week.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said authorities had detected calls on social media for looting, violence, and targeting public buildings, attributing them to far-left groups. He stressed that the government would respond firmly to any violations.

Nunez added that the risk of security disturbances remains high, noting that the decision to allow or ban protests would be left to local authorities in each region.

According to Reuters, the security preparations follow new calls for demonstrations on Saturday by student unions, as well as actions linked to the "Yellow Vests" movement. Shops, cultural institutions, and museums in Paris are preparing to close in anticipation of possible unrest.

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to prevent a repeat of the riots and looting that occurred on October 17, stating that authorities will not allow those seeking to cause chaos in city centers to carry out their plans. Macron also announced that unauthorized gatherings could be banned, while union-organized protests would be permitted, with routes subject to change based on security conditions.

The protests coincide with growing anger over rising living costs and fuel prices, as well as complaints about schools and public services. Unions are set to continue their actions to pressure the government, while critics warn that tightening restrictions on demonstrations could fuel tensions rather than ease them.