French police deploy in big numbers and Paris shuts major museums ahead of new protests

France is bracing for a new wave of protests this weekend following recent demonstrations that escalated into looting and unrest. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced the deployment of approximately 70,000 security personnel nationwide, warning that social media calls for violence and looting are circulating. In response to the potential for renewed violence, several major Paris museums, including the Louvre, have announced they will be closed on Saturday.

The New Straits Times also reported that Art Basel Paris will close two days early this weekend due to the risk.

In Paris, shopkeepers are boarding up windows and securing premises to prepare for possible disruption. Previous unrest resulted in the damage or looting of approximately 450 shops in Paris alone, while more than 2,500 people were arrested across the country. In Lyon, workers were seen installing protective fencing and wooden panels outside City Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon has been rescheduled from Sunday to Monday at 20:30 following a police request.

Separately, French President Emmanuel Macron condemned a shooting attack in the Paris suburbs of Trappes and La Verrière, labeling it a racist terrorist attack. Authorities reported that a gunman fired from a vehicle at three locations within 15 minutes, resulting in one death and five injuries, including a 12-year-old girl. President Macron stated that victims were targeted because of their perceived religion or skin color.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, Times of India, Daily Times, New Straits Times, Live Mint — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.