France deploys 70,000 security forces as Yellow Vest protests spread nationwide

The French government deployed about 70,000 police and security forces across the country on Saturday in response to nationwide protests, according to France 24. Protest rallies had begun in all parts of France, the broadcaster reported.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said between 50 and 60 marches were expected to be held across France. The Yellow Vest movement, however, announced on its website that 338 rallies would be held across the country on Saturday, a figure well above the government's estimate.

A police source told AFP that between 30,000 and 60,000 people were expected to attend the protests in Paris. Images showed anti-riot officers raiding some rallies, including in Paris, even though the French Interior Ministry had declared the overall situation "calm and under control."

The discrepancy between the government's projected number of marches and the movement's announced figure reflects the scale of the mobilization. The deployment of 70,000 security personnel indicates the authorities' preparations for a large turnout.

According to Mehr News, citing France 24 and AFP, the protests took place as security forces were stationed nationwide, with anti-riot units intervening at some gatherings.