French protests draw 35,000, 135 arrests as 70,000 police deployed

French authorities reported 35,000 protesters and 135 arrests nationwide by 1 p.m. during Saturday's demonstrations against the high cost of living, following violent unrest on October 17. Security forces deployed 70,000 police and gendarmes. The Interior Minister noted 136 street actions, down from 264 last week, with most arrests stemming from checks and seizures of items intended as weapons. In Paris, marchers chanted "siamo tutti antifascisti" along a route from Porte d'Italie to Porte de Vincennes. In Lyon, police used tear gas to disperse an unauthorized march, while Nice banned all gatherings and imposed a minor curfew. A separate counter-protest against the National Rally congress drew 11,000 to 26,000 people.