France Deploys 70,000 Security Forces as Protests and Strikes Spread

Around 70,000 security forces are deployed across France on Saturday as "Yellow Vest" protesters, unions, and students hold demonstrations following last week's violent riots. Strict restrictions include a single approved Paris march with a shortened route, while several cities have banned protests entirely. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said Friday the threat level remains high, citing "far-left extremists" and "criminality." The Yellow Vests plan over 700 actions nationwide, including 500 demonstrations targeting gas stations, oil depots, and ports. Paris museums like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay will close Saturday. The restrictions drew criticism from Amnesty International, which denounced "a drift toward authoritarian practices," while the Council of Europe's human rights commissioner urged respect for protest rights. Last weekend's demonstrations against living costs and education issues saw widespread looting, attacks on town halls, and arson, prompting curfews in several cities.