France deploys 70,000 police as protests loom after weekend violence

France will deploy 70,000 police nationwide this weekend ahead of new protests, following some of the worst urban violence in years during demonstrations a week ago, the government announced Friday. President Emmanuel Macron postponed a visit to Nigeria and Senegal amid the crisis and met with security officials. He will also host high school student representatives whose protests over school conditions sparked the broader movement against the rising cost of living. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned of calls for violence circulating on social media. The protests come six months before elections, with a new poll showing far-right candidate Marine Le Pen as frontrunner, strengthened by recent events. Courts have sent 217 people to prison over last Saturday's violence, while Lyon and Paris have restricted protest routes and the Louvre will close Saturday.