France deploys 70,000 officers as protests return to streets

France faces a new day of protests on Saturday, a week after violent unrest, with over 70,000 police and military deployed to prevent a repeat of the riots. Up to 500,000 demonstrators are expected nationwide. The government has banned some marches, imposed a curfew in parts of Paris, and closed 24 metro stations. A racist attack on Friday that killed one person and wounded five has further heightened tensions. Authorities are mobilizing elite units and using military for static surveillance. The protests stem from a movement against the high cost of living, which drew 550,000 people on October 17 and led to 1,200 arrests. The government has faced legal challenges to its ban, while unions and the Yellow Vests have called for peaceful action. Further protests are planned for late October and November.