About 70 thousand police and gendarmes are expected to be engaged throughout France, while Louvre and several large museums in Paris will remain closed in efforts to prevent the repetition of violence during the protests.

Last weekend, peaceful demonstrations were accompanied by riots, shoplifting, damage to public buildings, and clashes between protesters and police.

Protests are organised against rising cost of living, while students oppose inadequate school conditions.

Among them are also expected to be the labour unions and activists of the movement of the Yellow Jewels.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that, besides police forces, helicopters, armoured vehicles and water cannons will be engaged.

In several cities, including Lyons, Nice and Montpellier, protests have been banned for security reasons.

He warned that authorities would react sharply to acts of violence and vandalism.

For security reasons, the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsey, the Picasso Museum and the Grand Palais will be closed.

Even the prestigious art contemporary fair Art Basel has cancelled the weekend programme, as organisers have expressed concern for the participants’ safety.

Meanwhile, businesses in Paris are preparing for potential riots. A supermarket manager who was robbed last weekend said employees continue to be under pressure and that the store will remain open only as long as the situation is considered secure.

France thus faces a tense weekend, while authorities aim to prevent the repeat of robberies and violent clashes. /Telegraphy/