France: 70,000 police deployed and the Louvre and other museums closed in anticipation of Saturday protests

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez announced that approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes, along with helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons, would be deployed across the country in preparation for the protests expected tomorrow, Saturday. Elite police units would also assist in securing government buildings, such as city halls.

The Louvre Museum and several major museums in Paris are also scheduled to close as authorities seek to prevent a recurrence of violence during the planned demonstrations.

Last week’s protests descended into chaos, with participants setting fires, storming public buildings, smashing and looting shop windows, and clashing with police. These were the most violent disturbances France has witnessed in years.

Protesters plan to take to the streets again tomorrow, Saturday, in protest against the rising cost of living. The demonstrations are expected to draw students, members of the CGT trade union, and activists from the Yellow Vests movement, whose protests against social injustice shook France in 2018 and 2019.

Nunez added at a press conference, “There are numerous calls from radical far-left groups on social media to commit acts of violence and vandalism, as well as new calls for looting clearly being spread by rioters.”

In a statement received by The Associated Press, the Ministry of Culture announced that the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée Picasso, and the Grand Palais would be closed. The ministry urged all institutions under its jurisdiction to adopt any necessary measures to ensure “the safety of visitors, protect staff, and preserve artworks,” according to the statement.