France deploys 70,000 police to quell protests amid cost-of-living unrest

reuters.com [$] —

France deployed 70,000 police nationwide on Saturday to prevent a repeat of last weekend's riots and looting during protests over cost of living and public services, with 135 arrests made by early afternoon. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez cited threats from political groups and criminals, prompting pre-emptive searches for weapons like fireworks and ball bearings. Police fired tear gas in Lyon, while Paris shops, museums, and metro stations closed as a precaution. The main Paris march route was moved from the city center due to police concerns, drawing criticism from leftist leaders. Tensions were heightened by a Friday shooting suspected of Islamophobic hatred, while a peaceful march in Orléans countered a far-right party congress.


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France deploys 70,000 police to quell protests amid cost-of-living unrest | News Minimalist