France Deploys 70,000 Police Amid Anticipated Nationwide Protests

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, over 700 protest gatherings are anticipated across France, even with bans in effect for Lyon, Marseille, and other major urban centers, according to a report from Al Mayadeen’s correspondent cited by Mehr News Agency.

The French government has mobilized at least 70,000 police officers throughout Paris and other cities in anticipation of Saturday’s protests. Law enforcement and gendarmerie units, equipped with military hardware, armored vehicles, water cannons, and helicopters, are reportedly on standby to engage with demonstrators.

French authorities have also decided to close the Louvre Museum in Paris and several other major museums to safeguard their collections from potential protesters. The government had previously announced a 20% increase in security personnel and intensified security measures.

The General Directorate of National Police has called upon volunteer trainees nearing the completion of their courses to assist in bolstering security operations. According to the Directorate, these trainees will be involved in guarding buildings and administrative tasks, and will not be directly engaged in crowd control. Military forces, special units, and riot police are also on high alert.