France deploys 70,000 officers to block violent protests over living costs
France is sending 70,000 police to stop planned weekend protests over high living costs.
France's Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the big police deployment to stop a repeat of last week's violence. Protesters had set fires, looted shops, smashed windows and clashed with police.
Students, labour unions and activists from the yellow vest movement plan Saturday protests. The government calls this its most violent unrest in years.
The Louvre, Orsay and Picasso museums, plus the Grand Palais, will close. This protects staff and artworks.
Elite police units will secure public buildings across the country. Mr Nuñez warned of firm action against rioters.
He said radical far-left groups are calling for vandalism and looting on social media. Rioters are spreading these messages.
A separate protest is planned against far-right Marine Le Pen's nationalist party congress. It will be in Orléans, 110 km south of Paris.
It is expected to draw 20,000 to 30,000 people from across the country.
- Louvre, Orsay, Picasso, Grand Palais
- Museums closing
- 20,000 to 30,000 people expected
- Orléans protest
- 110 km south of Paris
- Location
Why it mattersEurope's largest economy faces civil unrest. Cost-of-living pressure is affecting millions. The large police response shows the government is worried about order.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but large protests in major Western economies can influence global financial sentiment and trade confidence affecting Australian exporters.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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