France braces for fourth Saturday of protests as 70,000 police deploy nationwide

France faces a fourth consecutive Saturday of protests against the high cost of living, with 70,000 police and gendarmes mobilized nationwide. The "Act IV" demonstrations are under high tension, particularly in Paris, where authorities expect 30,000 to 60,000 protesters. The mobilization follows Thursday's protests, which drew 575,000 people per the Interior Ministry, though unions claim three times that number. Youth unions and regional syndicates plan a march between Republic and Nation squares, while a separate Gilets Jaunes gathering at Concorde Square remains banned. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned of online calls for violence, looting, and insurrection from radical groups. Prefects have banned demonstrations in city centers, with police conducting transport checks and vowing a firm response to any rioters.