France to Deploy 70,000 Police for Fourth Weekend of Protests

France will deploy 70,000 police and gendarmes on Saturday for a fourth consecutive weekend of social protests, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced Friday, citing risks of violence, looting, and spontaneous gatherings. Reinforced security measures and systematic protection of city centers will be maintained. The mobilization follows protests on October 17, 24, and 31, with unions and youth groups calling for demonstrations, including an authorized Paris march from Place de la République to Place de la Nation. However, declared actions have dropped to 83 from over 1,000 on October 17, though authorities warn of unstructured gatherings and calls for violence against security forces and public buildings. Prefects have banned demonstrations in city centers, with 25 armored vehicles and 15 water cannons deployed. The "gilets jaunes" movement maintains an unauthorized call to gather at Place de la Concorde, while merchants in eastern Paris complain of recurring losses from protests. National unions will decide Monday whether to continue the movement.