France prepares for another weekend of protests as authorities launch massive security operation

France is bracing for a new wave of protests this weekend, as authorities seek to prevent a repeat of the type of violence and riots that hit the country last week.

French authorities will launch a massive security operation with some 70,000 police officers deployed across the country over the weekend, according to the Interior Ministry.

Specialist SWAT units, helicopters, armored vehicles, police dogs and water cannons will all be part of the operation. Additionally, the number of French army soldiers who normally patrol Paris as part of the country’s anti-terrorism measures will be increased to free police from stationary guard duties.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez issued a stern warning on Friday to anyone looking for trouble, saying the government would be “intransigent with those who carry out destruction.”

Last week’s violence followed weeks of protests over education, dismal job prospects and the cost of living. Initially peaceful and attended mainly by students, the protests quickly escalated into the worst wave of deadly violence nationwide in years.

This week, curfews were imposed in some cities to help maintain calm.

A large demonstration is called for Saturday afternoon in Paris and French media expect hundreds of thousands of people to participate.

The protest is organized by France’s main student union, the UNEF, and one of the country’s largest unions, the CGT, has announced plans to join. Other groups are expected, including farmers, climate activists and the Yellow Vests, the movement that first emerged in 2018 during protests over fuel prices.

While the demonstration in Paris was authorized by the authorities, French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday banned all non-union demonstrations in an attempt to control civil unrest.

But the preparations go far beyond bans and police warnings, especially as last week’s riots sparked criticism of authorities for not taking the threat seriously enough.

The City of Paris announced earlier this week that it was clearing public spaces of equipment and materials likely to be used to cause damage, including barriers, trash cans, construction materials and other objects.

Most of the French capital’s main tourist sites, including world-famous museums like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie, will be closed on Saturday.

Art Basel ended the Parisian version of its fair on Friday, two days earlier than planned. The Paris National Opera canceled its performances Saturday, citing the protests, and at least two dozen metro stations will also be closed for much of the day, according to Paris municipal authorities.

An NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints is scheduled to take place on Sunday at the Stade de France, just outside the capital. While the game was scheduled to take place, an event for Steelers fans in Paris was canceled by the NFL.

During last weekend’s riots, at least two people died and several others were seriously injured, including two people who lost their hands. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said some 2,700 people were being held for questioning and 232 had been jailed in connection with the riots.