France Deploys 70,000 Police Ahead of New Round of Saturday Protests

French authorities deployed around 70,000 police officers and gendarmes nationwide on Saturday, October 24, for a new day of nationwide mobilization against the government. The security operation, one of the largest in recent years, included specialist intervention units, helicopters, armored vehicles, police dogs, and water cannon.

The exceptional mobilization follows weeks of unrest marked by looting and arson, including a fire that severely damaged the town hall in Limoges. Several cities, including Lyon, have since introduced restrictive measures, with some banning all demonstrations outright for October 24.

October 24 was declared a nationwide day of mobilization by a broad coalition including Yellow Vest activists, rallying under the slogan "Macron must go," student organizations, unions, and several political parties. Only union organized gatherings were authorized that day, however, with routes designed to protect shops and preserve calm.

This account draws on reporting by Yahoo News.