France to deploy about 70,000 security personnel for Saturday protests

The French government announced on Friday that it will deploy about 70,000 police officers and other security personnel across the country on Saturday. The move comes as authorities prepare for new protests expected nationwide. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced the figure at a press conference in Paris.

Nuñez warned that calls for violence and looting are spreading on social media. Roughly 20% more security personnel will be mobilised this weekend than before, following sharp criticism of how police prepared and of intelligence work.

The president's response

President Emmanuel Macron convened a meeting of his defence council, attended by senior ministers and officials, and will also meet security force representatives. On Thursday, Macron called for the utmost firmness against criminal acts. He accused "ultra-left" groups of attempting to "overthrow the republic" last weekend.

Restrictions in cities

Demonstrators will be banned from Lyon's city centre this weekend. In Paris, protesters will only be allowed to march along a restricted route between the Bastille and Nation squares.

Marseille authorities had initially banned protests, but on Friday said that a union-organised demonstration would be permitted "as an exception". The decision to halt all public transport in the city on Saturday has also been reversed.

In Paris, leading museums, including the Louvre, will be closed on Saturday, and the Art Basel art fair will be cut short.