France Deploys Special Forces for Saturday Protests
The French government is deploying exceptional security measures, including elite police and gendarmerie units, for nationwide protests against the cost of living scheduled for Saturday. This follows violent clashes and looting during demonstrations last weekend. Interior Minister Jean-Didier Berger stated the mobilization level will be 20% higher than the previous week, with support from soldiers of the Sentinelle operation, helicopters, and armored vehicles. The prefect has banned all demonstrations in Lyon, and police have requested postponing the Paris Saint-Germain-Lyon football match due to fears of further unrest. Over 2,400 people were arrested last weekend, and thousands of businesses were damaged. A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the fire at the Limoges town hall, and the Yellow Vests movement will join a union march in Paris on Saturday.