Third weekend of protests in France

France is preparing for a third weekend of protests, with 70,000 security personnel deployed to prevent a repeat of the violence seen on October 17. Shops have boarded up their premises as authorities warn of further clashes, with Halloween adding to concerns over masked demonstrators. The protests, initially driven by anger over the cost of living and poor school conditions, have broadened to include demands for greater civil liberties and the right to protest. With presidential elections six months away, authorities have tightened security and restricted demonstrations in several cities.