France avoids repeat of looting and riots after security boost

France avoided a repeat of the large-scale violence and looting that marred nationwide protests a week ago, after deploying some 70,000 security officials, including elite anti-terror forces. About 110,000 people took part in a mostly peaceful demonstration near Paris on Saturday, with another 300,000 across the country, though scuffles broke out on the margins. Interior minister Laurent Nuñez said authorities prevented the shop looting and building damage seen on October 17th, blaming clashes on the ultra-left seeking to "start and finish the uprising." The government boosted security after being caught flat-footed last week, when demonstrations drew over half a million people and descended into violence, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to acknowledge "planning failings." The protest movement began with high schoolers demanding more teachers and an end to Parcoursup, a college admissions system, with unions calling for a major strike on November 5th. The unrest has boosted far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon in polls ahead of next April's presidential election, while Moody's warned the protests could constrain fiscal consolidation efforts.