France braces for third weekend of protests as police deploy heavy security

France is facing another weekend of civil unrest as protests over the cost of living continue to spread across the country. The situation has escalated significantly since the previous week, prompting authorities to prepare for a large turnout of demonstrators. Security forces have been placed on high alert in major urban centers. The goal is to manage the crowds and prevent the kind of chaos that disrupted daily life earlier in the month.

Police actions on Saturday included the use of tear gas and the detention of dozens of people. These measures were part of a broader strategy to tighten control in key cities. Authorities wanted to avoid a repeat of last weekend’s events. The previous week saw more than half a million participants. This large scale of protest has raised concerns about potential for further disruption.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez provided an update on the security efforts. He stated that 135 individuals had been arrested. A variety of items were seized from demonstrators. These included metal balls, lead pellets, and fireworks. Slingshots, steel balls, and improvised weapons were also taken. A katana and airsoft weapons were among the items confiscated. The minister noted that there had been no major incident so far. He had previously announced that up to 70,000 officers would be deployed. These forces were backed by helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons.

In Lyon, the demonstrations were officially banned. Despite this, about 150 protesters near the city center tried to block a road. Police used tear gas to disperse the group. A 21-year-old student spoke to Agence France-Presse anonymously about the police presence. The student described officers as "really mobile." They noted that police come and disperse marches before they even form. This tactic aims to keep the protests from gaining momentum.

Orleans saw a large march against a congress held by Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally party. Le Pen is using this event to launch her bid to succeed Emmanuel Macron. Elections are six months away. Surveys indicate Le Pen is best placed to win. Marchers targeted both political leaders. They chanted "Macron resign. Le Pen in prison," according to AFP. Police counted 11,000 participants. Organizers claimed the number was 26,000. About 50 groups called the protest. These included unions, left-wing parties, and student organizations. French media reported the event ended peacefully early in the afternoon. The congress is expected to continue through Sunday.

In Paris, authorities described the mood as "calm." Hundreds gathered at the Porte d'Italie for the city's only authorized march. The event was originally planned for the Bastille. Police moved it at the last minute to the more remote southeastern edge of the city. Union organizers said they accepted the change reluctantly. Murielle Guilbert, a union representative, called it "scandalous." She argued that Macron had barred protesters from demonstrating "where we wish to demonstrate." She added that wages have still not risen to the level they should. A student named Lucas told CBS Saturday Morning that it was "normal for people to be angry."

The unrest has disrupted daily life and events in the capital. Major museums are closed and many businesses are boarded up. Art Basel opened Friday for one day only. Organizers cancelled the weekend program. The first NFL game in France is still scheduled for Sunday. It will feature the New Orleans Saints and another team. Some related venues were shut Saturday. A soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais was moved to Monday night. Around 3,000 shops across France were damaged or looted last weekend.

The protests began last month. High school students in the southeast of Paris demonstrated for better conditions. The movement widened as people demanded relief from rising living costs. The Yellow Vests emerged about eight years ago. They staged disruptive protests against Macron. They said they will hold more demonstrations on Oct. 31. They plan rallies and a sit-in outside parliament and city halls. They are condemning the "authoritarian drift" of the government.

Unrest also spread elsewhere in Europe. Italy sent additional soldiers to Milan. This followed looting and clashes a week earlier. Premier Giorgia Meloni announced tougher penalties for minors. Police said these individuals made up much of the violent crowd. In Tirana, Albania, riot police used water cannons on student protesters. The students demanded lower tuition and an end to corruption in education. Thousands of retirees marched in Madrid over pensions. A housing protest was expected in Lisbon.