France deploys 70,000 police as protests spread across Paris, Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille
France deployed around 70,000 police nationwide as thousands of protesters returned to streets for another weekend of demonstrations, with clashes reported in Paris, Montpellier, Nantes, and Marseille. Police used tear gas and water cannons in several cities, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez reported 135 arrests by mid-afternoon. Security was heavily reinforced following violence, vandalism, and looting during the previous weekend. The protests began with high-school students demanding better conditions and expanded to include grievances over wages, pensions, living costs, and public services. Demonstrators marched despite restrictions and business closures, challenging the government's forceful response.