France Deploys 70000 Police Officers as Fresh Nationwide Protests Begin

France mobilized 70000 security personnel on Saturday to prevent a repeat of the severe civil unrest and looting that damaged thousands of businesses across the country the previous weekend.

The massive deployment included elite counter-terrorism units, armored vehicles, water cannons, helicopters and drones deployed across Paris, Lyon, Marseille and other major cities.

The high-security measures come as public anger over inflation, public sector budget cuts and strained education services fuels widespread demonstrations organized by students and labor unions.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said during a briefing that the government would take a hard line against further lawlessness.

"We will be uncompromising with rioters, looters and all those who commit acts of violence," said Nuñez, according to multiple reports.

"We are not talking about a nice, friendly demonstration," Nuñez said.

"We are ready for tomorrow. We will be extremely vigilant, extremely firm, and we will let absolutely nothing pass."

Authorities restricted union marches to the outskirts of Paris and banned protests entirely in several cities, including Lyon, Nice and Montpellier, to protect commercial centers.

Despite the restrictions, demonstrators gathered in multiple locations, and police used tear gas to disperse a group that attempted to block a road near central Lyon.

Prominent cultural landmarks in the capital, including the Louvre, the Orsay Museum and the Picasso Museum, remained closed for the day as shopkeepers boarded up windows.

Meanwhile, thousands of people marched in Orléans to protest against Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party as it held its national congress ahead of next year's presidential election.

The Associated Press reported that police arrested 135 people by midday and confiscated various forbidden items.

It remains unresolved whether the heavy police presence and route restrictions will succeed in preventing further clashes as the protests continue.