France is preparing for another day of demonstrations against the rising cost of living and cuts to public services, with more than 50 rallies expected across the country. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced on Friday that 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be deployed.
The protests follow a wave of social unrest that began in September, when school pupils blocked access to their schools to draw attention to poor learning conditions. The demonstrations quickly spread nationwide, leading to clashes and allegations of police violence.
A broad range of groups are expected to take part this weekend, including youth organisations, the Yellow Vests, school pupils and university students. Campaigners for child protection and climate groups are also planning to join the protests.
In Paris, police expect the demonstration to have a strong anti-police focus, according to an internal police note seen by Le Monde. Protesters are also expected to oppose a proposed law that would presume police and gendarmerie use of firearms to be justified by absolute necessity and strict proportionality. The Senate is due to vote on the bill next week.
The proposal has become particularly contentious following police violence against demonstrators in recent weeks. Opposition groups have condemned it as a “licence to kill”.
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