French protesters are taking to the streets again on Saturday, while authorities are deploying 70,000 police officers and gendarmes

France is preparing for new demonstrations scheduled for Saturday, marking the fourth consecutive weekend of protests, amid discontent over the high cost of living and purchasing power. Authorities have deployed approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes to prevent violent incidents.

In Paris, an authorized march will take place between Place de la République and Place de la Nation, following the same route as Thursday’s demonstration. Meanwhile, the “yellow vests” have announced a separate action at Place de la Concorde, near the National Assembly, although authorities have banned the gathering. The movement’s coordination group has called for “mass disobedience” and estimates that approximately 120 actions will take place across the country.

The protests are taking place two days after a nationwide mobilization attended by between 575,000 people, according to the authorities, and 1.6 million, according to the CGT trade union. The demonstrations precede the social conference convened by the government for Monday, which will bring together trade unions and employers’ organizations. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has promised concrete measures regarding wages and purchasing power.

Authorities fear a repeat of the violence and looting seen on October 17. In Rennes, demonstrations in the city center have been banned following Thursday’s incidents.