France deploys 70,000 police to prevent repeat of riots

France will deploy 70,000 police nationwide on Saturday to prevent a repeat of last weekend's riots and looting, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced Friday, vowing to be uncompromising with violent offenders. The protests stem from anger over living costs and strained public services, drawing students, workers and unions to the streets. Authorities blame radical militants and young looters for exploiting the unrest, while a shooting west of Paris on Friday killed one and wounded four. Police have authorized only one union demonstration in Paris, rejecting requests from student and Yellow Vest groups, though some rallies will proceed regardless. Cultural institutions like the Louvre will close, and concerns remain over far-right gatherings this weekend.