France to deploy 70,000 cops as students call for further protests

France has announced it will deploy around 70,000 police nationwide in response to recent urban violence that erupted during demonstrations a week ago. President Emmanuel Macron, who is postponing a visit to Nigeria and Senegal due to the crisis, met with his defence council and security forces. He also held his first meeting with representatives of secondary school pupils, who urged continued protests until the government provided concrete proposals to address their demands.

The protests began as a movement over learning conditions but have since gained momentum due to broader concerns about the rising cost of living.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that 70,000 security personnel will be deployed on Saturday, warning that calls for violence and looting were circulating on social media. The demonstrations have occurred at a crucial time, six months before presidential elections, with recent polls indicating the far-right candidate Marine Le Pen as the frontrunner, thanks in part to the recent events.

Le Pen is scheduled to host her National Rally party congress in Orleans, a city where authorities fear clashes as counter-protesters also head to the city. Student Nathanael Combary, president of the High School Renewal campaign group, said Macron was attentive but they were awaiting proposals during talks with the prime minister on Monday. They remain unsatisfied and continue to mobilize to maintain a standoff with the government.

The government has distanced itself from the violence, with courts already sentencing 217 people, half of them first-time offenders, for the events on Saturday. Macron called for the "utmost severity" against acts of delinquency, accusing ultra-left groups of attempting to bring down the republic. Authorities have imposed restrictions on protests, including bans in some cities, drawing criticism from groups like Amnesty International.

Around 20% more police will be deployed this weekend following concerns over police preparedness and intelligence gathering during last week's violence.