France to deploy about 70,000 police officers ahead of new protests

The French government announced on Friday that about 70,000 police officers will be deployed nationwide to maintain order during new protest actions expected this weekend. The move is the government's response to the demonstrations planned for Saturday and Sunday.

What the government said

According to the announcement, the officers will be stationed across France rather than in a single city. A deployment of this size suggests the authorities expect widespread demonstrations and want to keep order in the streets.

What is not yet known

The information available does not specify why people are taking to the streets, which cities will be the main protest locations, or how many participants are expected. It also does not mention any security measures beyond the police presence.

How the protests unfold, and whether the police presence affects their course, is likely to become clear over the weekend.