France Plans 70,000 Police for Protests

France is preparing for nationwide demonstrations over the cost of living, fuel prices and school conditions after last weekend’s largely peaceful protests were followed by looting, vandalism and clashes with police. Authorities plan to deploy about 70,000 police and gendarmes, supported by specialist units, helicopters, armored vehicles and water cannons; some marches have been banned, routes diverted and curfews imposed. President Emmanuel Macron has sought to limit demonstrations largely to union-organized events, drawing objections from a judges’ and prosecutors’ union that says the restrictions threaten fundamental freedoms. The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Orangerie, Picasso Museum and other cultural venues will close Saturday, while Art Basel Paris has ended its public program early as institutions and businesses take precautions. Separately, police are investigating a deadly shooting near Paris as a possible terrorist crime, though the motive remains under investigation.