Hot in France, thousands of uniformed officers mobilized. First arrests
In France, thousands have taken to the streets again, prompting the deployment of over 70,000 police officers nationwide to maintain order during protests. Authorities aim to prevent riots similar to those from the previous weekend, leading to the closure of shops, museums, and metro stations. By early afternoon, 135 individuals had been arrested, many found with items that could be used as weapons. The Interior Minister emphasized the need for heightened responsiveness to calls for destabilization from political groups and criminals. Protests are also occurring in Orleans against the far-right party, with conflicting attendance figures reported. Police used tear gas in Lyon to disperse an unauthorized gathering, while protests were banned in several cities, including Nice and Nancy. The unrest has escalated over recent weeks, initially led by students but now involving extremist groups and criminals, resulting in significant violence and property damage.