France deploys 70,000 officers to prevent repeat of street chaos

France will deploy 70,000 police, gendarmes, and soldiers on Saturday to prevent a repeat of last week's violent street chaos, with the government vowing to act with "great firmness" amid high risk of public order disturbances. Interior Minister Nuñez cited calls for violence on social media and fears of far-left groups and vandals, with possible social media suspension under consideration. Several cities, including Lyon, Montpellier, and Nancy, have banned protests, while Paris, Marseille, and dozens of municipalities have imposed nighttime curfews. President Macron met student unions Friday for the first time since protests began, but no resolution was reached. Meanwhile, groups like Attac France are urging defiance of protest bans, and a far-right congress in Orleans faces a counter-demonstration expected to draw 20,000-30,000 people.