France braces for nationwide protests after Paris police alter march route

France braces for nationwide protests Saturday after Paris authorities reversed approval of a major demonstration route, prompting a legal challenge from trade unions over the last-minute change. Organisers planned to march from place de la Bastille to Nation, but police imposed an alternative route along southeastern outer boulevards citing violence risk. The dispute follows 17 October unrest where over 3,000 shops were damaged despite 60,000 officers deployed. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez will mobilise 70,000 officers with armoured vehicles and water cannons. Police estimate 60,000-120,000 protesters in Paris, with 300-600 potentially violent activists identified. The government has promised education reforms, but student groups demand a €10-billion plan before halting demonstrations.