France protests live: Marches underway as 70,000 police deployed to brace for riots

France protests live: Marches underway as 70,000 police deployed to brace for riots The Louvre, the Orsay and Picasso museums are closed, with a partial night curfew also in place across different parts of Paris More protests are planned across France today following a weekend of significant disorder that ravaged the country. Around 70,000 officers have been sent out across France to prevent large-scale disorder similar to last weekend. So far, today's protests seem less severe compared to last weekend, with a turnout of about 35,000 protesters so far, compared to 60,000 this time last week. More than 2,700 arrests were carried out following the looting last week, with curfews now imposed across Paris. The widespread disorder was caused by demonstrators furious at the cost of living crisis and poor school conditions. Scenes of looting, burned-out cars and attacks on public buildings stunned the world as groups of masked vandals targeted businesses in Paris and other city centres. Besides the 70,000 law enforcement officers, helicopters, armoured vehicles and water cannons will also be deployed today. A partial night curfew in Paris, covering parts of the city including the historic Place de la République, is in place until Monday. Meanwhile, the Culture Ministry said the Louvre, the Orsay and Picasso museums as well as the Grand Palais would be closed. Prohibited items seized Prohibited items have been seized by police officers following 635 checks carried out today. Several arrests have also been made, Paris police have said, adding: "We will be uncompromising." Among the seized items, pictures released by the police show a hand-held circular saw, face coverings and balaclavas, goggles, masks and extendable poles. The police said: "The Paris police is organizing massive checks, particularly in train stations and public transport, to deter those who might come to the capital with bad intentions. "Following 635 checks, numerous prohibited items have been seized and several arrests have been made. We will be uncompromising. At this hour, the situation is calm in Paris." 'All is calm' in Paris In their latest update, Paris police have said that "all is calm" so far on the city's streets. The statement reads: "All is calm in the streets of Paris, the Paris police setup is in place, on the ground and in the air, in order to allow the demonstrators to march safely from the Porte d’Italie to the Porte de Vincennes via the boulevards des Maréchaux." The route was imposed so that the demonstration takes place safely, the police said, with all those who wish to participate in the protests invited to join the route. [Image text:] MAKE HUIVAN RIGHTS GREAT MCMN