France boosts police presence, hoping to prevent repeat of riots

France has increased its police presence in anticipation of nationwide protests on Saturday, aiming to prevent a recurrence of the riots and looting witnessed last weekend. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced that 70,000 officers, including elite security teams and heavily armed mobile squads, will be deployed nationwide to maintain order and deter violent outbreaks.

Nunez emphasized that the government would be "uncompromising" with rioters and looters, while also cautioning against targeting public buildings. He vowed to remain "extremely vigilant" and "extremely firm" in dealing with any acts of violence.

Recent anger over living costs and strained public services has mobilized students, workers, and unions onto the streets. While authorities blame radical militants and young looters for the chaos, some far-right politicians have suggested migrants and radical Islam as potential culprits. President Emmanuel Macron has dismissed these accusations.

The upswing in violence has benefited poll ratings for far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, who proposes the unrest as evidence of a decline in state authority. Several Parisian cultural landmarks and a European football match have been closed or postponed due to security concerns, while business groups urge shops to remain closed to deter further looting.