Interior Minister Surveys Security Preparations Ahead of Planned Protests
Minister of the Interior Christophe Castaner shook the hands of French security forces in Paris on December 8, in the wake of a series of protests across France.
At least four people died and hundreds were arrested or injured in the protests that were sparked by a rise in fuel tax. The protests escalated into a larger demonstration against the cost of living and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Castaner was surveying preparations in Paris ahead of a planned day of protest. French police called for businesses in the Champs-Elysees and Bastille areas to close on Saturday while Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre would also shut their doors. Reuters reported Prime Minister Edouard Philippe had ordered the deployment of 65,000 police officers across the country and armoured vehicles in Paris after members of the yellow vests (gilets jaunes) called for new demonstrations on Saturday. Credit: Christophe Castaner via Storyful
