Security increased as new French riots loom

FRANCE WILL deploy more than 65,000 security forces amid fears of fresh rioting at planned protests in Paris and around the country this weekend.

Police unions and local authorities held emergency meetings on how to handle the demonstrations, while protesters shared their plans on social networks.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said the government will deploy “exceptional” security measures for the protests, with additional new forces on top of the 65,000 security officers already in place.

Some “yellow vest” protesters, members of France’s leading unions and prominent politicians across the political spectrum called for calm after the worst rioting in Paris in decades last weekend. Many shops and restaurants in the centre of Paris plan to shut down on Saturday, fearing a repeat of the violence.

Earlier this week, President Macron agreed to abandon his fuel tax increase, part of his plans to combat global warming, but protesters’ demands have now expanded to other issues affecting French workers, retirees and students. In a move questioned by both critics and supporters, the president himself has disappeared from public view.

Scores of protesting teenagers clashed with police at a high school west of Paris yesterday, according to French news reports, as part of nationwide student protests over new university admissions procedures and rising administrative fees.

Drivers wearing their signature yellow safety vests continued to block roads around France, now demanding broader tax cuts and wider government social benefits. A small union representing police administrators called for a strike on Saturday, which could further complicate security measures.