French authorities have announced the deployment of approximately 70,000 police officers nationwide ahead of fresh demonstrations following violent protests that caused widespread destruction.
According to AFP, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez disclosed the security arrangements during a news conference in Paris.
The announcement follows demonstrations that erupted on October 17 over school conditions before expanding into protests against rising living costs.
Authorities fear further violence as protesters prepare to gather in several French cities over the weekend.
France tightens security ahead of weekend demonstrations
Nunez warned that security agencies had identified online messages encouraging violence, looting and attacks during the planned demonstrations.
The government said the additional deployment would strengthen security around public buildings, commercial districts and other sensitive locations.
President Emmanuel Macron had earlier called for stricter measures against individuals involved in destruction during previous protests.
The authorities also confirmed that 217 people had been imprisoned following last weekend’s unrest.
Several cities have introduced restrictions on demonstrations to prevent further disturbances.
In Lyon, protesters will not be permitted to gather in designated central areas.
Authorities in Orleans have also restricted access to the city centre ahead of demonstrations expected to attract between 20,000 and 30,000 participants.
France protest restrictions spark criticism
In Paris, police withdrew permission for a planned demonstration between Bastille and Nation squares.
Organisers were instead instructed to use an alternative route, although labour unions expressed objections to the decision.
Some cultural institutions, including the Louvre Museum, announced closures because of security concerns.
The restrictions have attracted criticism from human rights organisations.
Amnesty International warned that the government’s measures were “jeopardising the right to demonstrate peacefully”.
The unrest comes amid heightened political tensions ahead of France’s next presidential election.
Authorities maintained that the police deployment was necessary to protect public safety and prevent a repeat of the previous weekend’s violence.
