France mobilized 70,000 police and gendarmes on Saturday to prevent a repeat of the previous week’s violence. Protests against the cost of living and cuts to public services continued in several cities. Paris shops and cultural institutions closed for the day.
Security tightened across the country
The force was 10,000 larger than the one deployed for the 17 October protests. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said security forces must react extremely quickly to any possible incidents. By early afternoon, police had reported 135 arrests nationwide.
In Paris, more than 20 metro stations were closed. The main march route was changed at the last minute after a legal dispute between police and organizers. Demonstrations in the capital were largely peaceful, while clashes occurred in other cities.
Retailers weigh the cost of closing
Business organizations recommended that shops stay closed after thousands of commercial units were damaged or looted the previous weekend. Luxury retailers faced potential revenue losses and extra security costs.
Leftist leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon warned that protests could continue if President Emmanuel Macron does not respond to social discontent. The unrest comes as France’s high public debt draws investor attention.
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A separate attack in western Paris
On Friday, an armed attack in western Paris killed one person and injured four others. Reuters reports that the suspect is suspected of Islamophobic motives.
Related: France sees mass protests over cost of living, fuel prices
