PARIS: French authorities deployed 70,000 police officers nationwide on Saturday as France protests prompted tighter security in Paris and other cities.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez urged officers to act quickly against troublemakers and looters after unrest during the previous week’s demonstrations.
Soldiers from an anti-terrorism military unit patrolled the Champs-Élysées, while police vans circulated around the Arc de Triomphe.
Authorities sought to protect prominent sites and prevent renewed violence or looting. Shops in Paris boarded up windows before the demonstrations, while several major museums closed for the day.
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Local authorities also restricted or banned demonstrations in several French cities. Recent protests have drawn students, workers and labour unions over rising living costs and strained public services.
French officials say radical militants, extremist groups and organized criminals have exploited peaceful demonstrations to attack security forces, shops and public buildings.
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Nunez told police to remain “hyper-reactive” to attempts to cause disorder. Saturday’s operation placed security forces across the capital and other parts of France as authorities prepared for further demonstrations.
France deployed 70,000 police officers nationwide as authorities tightened security before Saturday’s demonstrations.
