France deploys 70,000 security personnel as unions and students protest rising costs

France deploys 70,000 security personnel as trade unions and student groups stage nationwide protests Saturday over rising living costs, with the Yellow Vests movement planning a banned rally in central Paris. The demonstrations follow weeks of unrest ahead of next year's presidential election. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will meet union representatives Monday to discuss wage increases and purchasing power, while unions demand a minimum wage boost and better conditions for youth. Thursday's strikes drew 575,000 participants per the interior ministry, though unions estimate 1.6 million, with 448 arrests reported. The Yellow Vests, who protested fuel taxes eight years ago, call for "mass disobedience" at Place de la Concorde despite the ban. Recent unrest has sparked investigations into police brutality allegations, while France's public debt limits the government's ability to meet demands.