France plans military presence to contain weekend protests

In a shooting incident in the Yvelines district, west of Paris, one individual lost their life while at least four others sustained injuries, as reported by French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu on Friday. Mayor Ali Rabeh of the town of Trappes revealed that a man had fired shots from his car, seemingly targeting indiscriminately and showing intent to carry out a massacre.

Among the injured was a 12-year-old girl. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown. French Prime Minister Lecornu informed on X that security forces have been fully mobilized and the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office is closely monitoring the situation. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez further stated that 70,000 security forces would be deployed nationwide to maintain order on Saturday, expressing concern over calls for looting and violence from the ultra-left on social media.

France is still recovering from violent protests last weekend that erupted during nationwide demonstrations, although overnight curfews in certain Paris and city areas have not resulted in major incidents. President Emmanuel Macron held the ultra-left groups responsible for the unrest, an accusation denied by the France Unbowed party.

He announced that illegitimate protests would be banned in the coming days, allowing demonstrations organized by groups like trade unions but diverting them along alternative routes. Businesses, cultural events, and museums planned to close on Saturday, despite the curbs on demonstrations, as Macron aims to restore order following the violent protests.