France Deploys 70,000 Police As Fears Of Fresh Protest Violence Grow.
France has deployed 70,000 police officers nationwide ahead of Saturday’s demonstrations, as authorities brace for possible violence following a wave of vandalism and looting last week.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez urged officers to respond swiftly to troublemakers, warning that shops, public institutions and security personnel could be targeted.
We have significant calls for disruption from political groups and quite simply from criminals,” Nunez told police in Paris.
“It is going to be a long day.” In the capital, soldiers from an anti-terrorism military unit patrolled the Champs-Elysees, while police vans moved around the Arc de Triomphe to protect prominent landmarks from further unrest. The security operation involves 10,000 more officers than were mobilised for demonstrations on October 17, when widespread looting and vandalism raised concerns about the government’s ability to maintain public order. Protests in recent weeks have drawn students, workers and trade unions angered by rising living costs and pressure on public services. Authorities, however, say radical groups and young looters have taken advantage of the demonstrations to cause disorder.
MSEApp News is publishing an original rewrite of this tip for readers, based on reporting associated with Arise News.