France to deploy 70,000 police as protests spread nationwide

France will deploy about 70,000 police nationwide on Saturday, October 24, 2026, to brace for fresh protests after severe urban violence erupted during demonstrations a week ago. The protests, sparked by high school students over learning conditions, have spread nationwide amid anger over the rising cost of living. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned of calls for violence circulating on social media, while courts have jailed 217 people over last week's events. The unrest comes six months before elections to replace President Emmanuel Macron, with a new poll showing far-right candidate Marine Le Pen as frontrunner. Authorities have imposed protest restrictions in several cities, drawing criticism from Amnesty International over threats to peaceful demonstration rights.