France deploys 70,000 officers as police fire tear gas at fresh protests over living costs

French police fired tear gas at protesters in Lyon on Saturday as France deployed up to 70,000 officers nationwide to prevent renewed violence during demonstrations over living costs and school conditions. Authorities also closed major Paris museums and boarded up storefronts. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the deployment included helicopters, armoured vehicles and water cannons, warning "we will not tolerate any unrest" after calls for looting circulated on social media. Some rallies in Lyon, Nice and Montpellier were banned, drawing union criticism over constitutional rights. The protests stem from September school blockades that grew into nationwide action over overcrowded classrooms, university access and household budgets, months before France's presidential election. Trade unions have called a cross-sector strike for November 5, while Marine Le Pen launched her campaign this weekend.