France deploys 70,000 police to secure cost-of-living protests amid riot fears
France has deployed around 70,000 police nationwide as cost-of-living protests are expected, with up to 60,000 demonstrators anticipated in Paris.
Key Takeaways
AIThe French government deployed around 70,000 police and gendarmes across the country on Saturday to secure expected protests over the rising cost of living.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the security plan is flexible and able to respond quickly, adapting to the movements of groups that could pose a threat. He noted that such groups often split into smaller units and try to evade police surveillance.
Police estimates suggest that between 30,000 and 60,000 people could take part in demonstrations in Paris, including 300 to 600 individuals considered potentially dangerous.
Authorities expect between 50 and 60 marches to take place across France, with security forces prepared to confront rioters and looters.
Nuñez explained that unions have not announced specific protest routes, expressing concern that this could lead to unsupervised marches, with less experienced student unions and high school representatives taking on organizational roles.
He added that last Saturday's demonstrations drew 146,000 participants nationwide, including 46,000 in Paris, marking a decrease compared to previous protests.