Hundreds of protests expected across France, with shops, businesses and tourist sites closed – Europe live

# France braces for nationwide protests as Macron deploys 70,000 officers

Hundreds of demonstrations expected across the country, with shops and tourist sites shut down

PARIS — France is preparing for a wave of protests this weekend as President Emmanuel Macron deploys 70,000 police officers nationwide to manage anticipated unrest. Demonstrations are also expected in neighbouring countries including Italy, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Albania and Ireland.

Authorities have already begun restricting movement in Paris by closing several metro stations, including Champs-Elysées – Clemenceau, Charles de Gaulle – Étoile, George V, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Tuileries and others, in an effort to contain crowds and limit movement through the capital.

In Marseille, public transport services were initially suspended for Saturday but were reversed after public outcry. Similar attempts to restrict movement have been made across other French cities.

The scale of the police deployment signals the government's expectation of significant civil disruption, with businesses, shops and tourist sites across the country closing in anticipation of large-scale protests.