France tightens security as protests enter third week

The French government has tightened security measures to prevent possible violence as protests across the country enter a third week.

About 70,000 security personnel will be deployed nationwide on Saturday, the same number deployed the previous Saturday. Since Halloween falls at the same time, authorities fear it will be difficult to identify protesters wearing masks.

Fearing violence, shops and businesses in Paris and other cities have boarded up their fronts with wooden panels. More than 40 metro stations in Paris are reported to remain closed, and tram services will also be affected.

The movement, which began over the rising cost of living, inequality and problems in the education sector, has also raised demands over civil liberties. "Yellow Vest" activists, trade unions and students are taking part.

Clashes, looting of shops and arson at public buildings were reported during the October 17 protest. According to the news agency AFP, President Emmanuel Macron said it was not normal for the country to face such unrest as a presidential election approaches.