Protests across France: 50–60 gatherings expected and 70,000 security personnel deployed
Young demonstrators and Yellow Vests rally for wages, education funding and child protection; Paris march from Place de la République may draw up to 60,000.
Protests continued across France on Saturday as young people and members of the Yellow Vests movement demanded higher wages, increased funding for education and stronger protections for children and adolescents.
Nationwide rallies and large security deployment
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said that between 50 and 60 gatherings were expected across the country today. He also stated that 70,000 police and gendarmes were deployed — the same level of security used for the three prior demonstrations that began on 24 October.
In Paris the march against high prices set off from Place de la République, and authorities closed 21 metro stations along the demonstrators' route. Organizers expect several groups to join the protest in the capital, including activists against violence toward children and adolescents and climate campaigners; estimates for Paris range from 30,000 to 60,000 people on the streets.
Rallies were also announced in Bordeaux, Rennes, Lyon and Marseille.
In Toulouse a left-wing parties and trade unions gathering ended peacefully; police put attendance at 1,800, while organizers said 6,000 people took part.
Photo: press material from the event
