France deploys 70,000 police as fresh protests trigger security crackdown

France deployed around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes across the country on Saturday as authorities braced for fresh protests over rising living costs, wages and deteriorating public services. Security was tightened in Paris, with several museums, cultural venues and shops shutting their doors amid fears of a repeat of last weekend's unrest.

The preparations followed demonstrations on October 17, when more than 5 lakh people took to the streets across France, according to the Associated Press. The protests were followed by incidents of looting, fires and vandalism, with around 3,000 shops and businesses reportedly damaged or looted.

Louvre, other museums close as Paris tightens security

Several major cultural attractions, including the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Picasso Museum and Grand Palais, remained closed on Saturday as a precaution. The Tuileries Gardens were also sealed off, while the Paris Opera shut its Palais Garnier and Opera Bastille venues over safety concerns, Reuters reported.

Art Basel Paris, being held at the Grand Palais, cancelled its weekend programme despite opening to the public on Friday. More than 20 metro stations were also reported closed as authorities restricted movement around sensitive areas.

Businesses across the capital boarded up shop windows, reinforced entrances and deployed additional security personnel. Several retailers removed merchandise from their premises, while luxury stores around Place Vendôme, including outlets associated with Louis Vuitton, Dior and Bulgari, strengthened security arrangements.

70,000 police deployed, demonstrations restricted

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the deployment of around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide -- approximately 10,000 more than during the October 17 demonstrations.

The security operation includes helicopters, armoured vehicles, water cannons and specialist police units. Soldiers deployed under France's anti-terrorism military operation are also helping protect sensitive locations. Police patrols were increased around the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.

Authorities changed the route of a union-organised march in Paris, moving it away from the central Bastille-to-Nation stretch to a route between Porte d'Italie and Porte de Vincennes. Demonstrations were banned or restricted in parts of Lyon, Nice and Montpellier, while some areas of Paris faced localised curfews.

Tear gas used as protests continue

Despite the restrictions, demonstrations took place in several cities. In Lyon, police fired tear gas at a group of around 150 people gathered in an area where protests were prohibited, France24 reported. Officers intervened after protesters attempted to block a road near university buildings and a police station.

In Orléans, thousands marched against the far-right National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, as it held its congress in the city.

Rising costs, school conditions fuel unrest

The protests began last month with high school students raising concerns about staff shortages and poor school conditions in the Paris region. The movement subsequently widened to include demands for higher wages, better public services, improved student grants and action on rising living costs.

Trade unions and workers have also joined the demonstrations, seeking higher wages and pensions as households struggle with everyday expenses.