France will deploy 70,000 police backed by specialist units for protests on Saturday, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said on Friday, accusing ultra-left groups of encouraging violence and looting after unrest shocked the country last weekend. The government is seeking to prevent a repeat of last week's demonstrations that descended into riots, looting and arson in several cities, triggering widespread criticism of authorities for not preventing the mayhem. "We will be uncompromising with rioters, looters and all those who commit acts of violence," Nunez told reporters on Friday after meetings involving President Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and senior security officials. Nunez said authorities had identified numerous online calls from hard-left groups encouraging attacks and urging activists to target public buildings. "We are not talking about a nice, friendly demonstration," Nunez said, adding: "We are ready for tomorrow. We will be extremely vigilant, extre...
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