France protests: Students and yellow vests rally as police brace for unrest

Protests are underway across France today as students, yellow vests, and unions hold new demonstrations, with authorities fearing a repeat of last week's riots and deploying over 70,000 security personnel nationwide. Up to 500,000 participants are expected. Following last week's violence, which left 3,000 shops damaged and a town hall destroyed in Limoges, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez vowed to be "absolutely inflexible" against violent acts. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu warned the threat level remains high. Authorities have restricted protests to union-organized events and banned marches in several cities, drawing accusations of "liberticidal" behavior from opponents. In Paris, the approved route was changed at the last minute, sparking controversy, while police used tear gas in Lyon to disperse a blockade.