France deploys 70,000 police as protests over jobs and costs escalate

France is bracing for another weekend of protests as authorities launch a massive security operation, deploying 70,000 police officers nationwide to prevent a repeat of last week's deadly riots. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez warned the government would be "uncompromising" with those engaging in destruction, with specialist SWAT units, helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons part of the operation. The protests stem from weeks of unrest over education, job prospects, and the cost of living, which turned violent last weekend, killing at least two people and injuring many others. A large demonstration is planned for Saturday in Paris, organized by student union UNEF and joined by trade union CGT, farmers, climate activists, and Yellow Vests. President Emmanuel Macron banned non-trade union protests on Saturday, while museums, opera performances, and metro stations will close, and the city is clearing public spaces of potential weapons.