France Deploys 70,000 Police, Elite Units Ahead of Protests

vg.no (Swedish) —

France has deployed 70,000 police officers, including elite anti-terror units, ahead of Saturday's protests. Several cities have banned demonstrations following last weekend's riots and looting. The protests began over poor school conditions in French suburbs but have grown to include broader grievances. Paris shops have boarded up windows, and a curfew is in place in two areas. Around 2,700 people have been arrested. A symbolic figure is Saint-Denis mayor Bally Bagayoko, who shielded students from police. The protests come as France's 2027 presidential election approaches, with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen among the favorites.


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