Police presence comes after the incidents that occurred on October 17.

France will deploy 70,000 security officers across the country this Thursday for the general strike called by unions, after authorities identified risks of “violent incidents” during the demonstrations.

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Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez explained that intelligence services have identified calls for violence and the possible involvement of radical groups that might try to “exploit” the protests to incite riots and attacks against businesses.

The government decided to repeat the security measures implemented during the last two weekends, when law enforcement significantly “reduced” the vandalism seen during previous demonstrations.

According to Nuñez, authorities consider it essential to maintain a large police presence after the “serious incidents” that occurred on October 17, when thousands of businesses were looted or damaged in various cities across the country.

The minister indicated that the main threats identified are potential clashes with police, uncontrolled demonstrations, and attacks against businesses, public buildings, and sensitive infrastructure.

Unlike recent protests led by students and other social movements, Thursday’s demonstration is being spearheaded by the main labor unions, though it will also have the support of various other groups.

Given the risk of clashes, the government has restricted some routes and locations for the marches in certain cities. In Paris, authorities rejected the possibility of the demonstration ending at the Place de la Concorde due to its proximity to institutions such as the Élysée Palace and the National Assembly.

teleSUR: JP

Source: EFE

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