French Authorities Mobilize Thousands of Police and Close Paris Museums Ahead of Protests

French authorities have announced the deployment of approximately 70,000 police and gendarmerie officers across the country, along with the closure of several major museums in Paris, in preparation for protests scheduled for Saturday against rising living costs. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that security forces will be supported by helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons, as well as elite units tasked with protecting government buildings, to prevent a recurrence of the violent incidents experienced last week. He also pointed out that calls have circulated on social media to carry out acts of violence, vandalism, and looting during the upcoming protests. As part of precautionary measures, the Louvre, Orsay, Picasso museums, and the Grand Palais in Paris will be closed to ensure the safety of visitors and staff and to protect the art collections. The demonstrations are expected to include students, trade unionists, and activists from the Yellow Vests movement, amid concerns about renewed clashes and riots.