France deploys 70,000 police as protests over funding and living costs spread

France deployed up to 70,000 police officers Saturday to prevent a repeat of last weekend's violence during protests over school funding and living costs, with Paris authorities restricting the main march to the city's southeastern edge. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the nationwide deployment would be backed by helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons. The protests, which began over high school staff shortages, have expanded into a national movement demanding better schools, higher wages, and pensions, with more than half a million people marching last Saturday and some 3,000 shops damaged. Paris landmarks like the Louvre and Orsay Museum closed, and some rallies in Lyon, Nice, and Montpellier were banned, drawing criticism from trade unions. President Emmanuel Macron, facing low popularity, met high school representatives Friday, promising university admissions reform, but protesters say they will continue until concrete measures are announced.