France deploys 70,000 police for Saturday protests

France mobilized 70,000 police officers nationwide Saturday to contain potential unrest during a new day of protests against the cost of living and social demands, called by unions, student groups, and Yellow Vest activists. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said fewer formal union marches are planned than Friday, but unorganized calls circulating on social media increase violence risks, including appeals to attack security forces, loot, and block roads. Authorities deployed armored vehicles, water cannons, drones, and helicopters, with central city areas systematically protected. The government announced talks with student representatives Monday, including reforms to the Parcoursup university admissions platform. Meanwhile, AFP denounced police violence against journalists, reporting 58 cases of obstruction or aggression, including a photographer fractured by baton blows, as unions estimated 1.5 million protesters participated Friday.