France to deploy 70,000 police on Saturday to prevent civil unrest

France is set to deploy approximately 70,000 police across the country on Saturday in an effort to prevent further civil unrest following some of the worst street violence in years. This decision comes after violent clashes erupted during cost-of-living protests last weekend.

Laurent Nuñez, the interior minister, announced on Friday that the security forces would include elite units typically used for counter-terrorism operations and hostage rescues. He noted that there had been calls for violence on social media from "ultra-left" groups. Nuñez stated:

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"We are not talking about a peaceful, friendly demonstration. We are ready tomorrow to be extremely firm and not tolerate anything."

The government is grappling with a crisis that has taken it by surprise just six months before the presidential elections to choose Emmanuel Macron's successor. Officials have admitted to having "lost control" over the widespread rioting that occurred last Saturday, where largely peaceful demonstrations were overtaken by determined rioters, leading to rampant violence and extensive looting in cities such as Paris, Marseille, and Lyon.

In Limoges, the town hall was set ablaze and partially destroyed. Nuñez emphasized:

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"We will be uncompromising with rioters, looters, and all who commit violence."

In addition to the deployment of 10,000 more police, the operation will involve water cannons, armored vehicles, mounted police, helicopters, and drones.