France to deploy 70,000 police ahead of new protests

France plans to deploy 70,000 police across the country as it prepares for upcoming protests following a wave of urban violence during recent demonstrations, according to the government's announcement on Friday. President Emmanuel Macron, who appears to be deferring a scheduled visit to Nigeria and Senegal due to the ongoing crisis, convened a meeting of his defense council comprising top ministers and officials, as well as a gathering with representatives of students' high schools.

The unrest began after student protests against school conditions escalated into a nationwide outcry over the increasing cost of living. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez disclosed at a press conference in Paris that 70,000 security forces would be mobilized on Saturday, cautioning that incitement to violence and looting is being propagated on social media.

These protests occur at a pivotal juncture for France, six months prior to the upcoming elections that will determine Macron's successor, with recent polling indicating Marine Le Pen as the leading contender.