Protests Expected to Draw 500,000 in France... Armored Vehicles, Water Cannons, and Helicopters Deployed

[Anchor]

The flames of protests that have engulfed France are now spreading across the entire European continent. Despite the government's ban on rallies, another large-scale protest is scheduled to be held in France soon. Today, October 24, is expected to be a critical turning point. Let's go straight to Paris.

Correspondent Kwon Yeongin, where are you currently located?

[Reporter]

Yes, I am currently at Porte d'Italie in Paris.

Today's rally is scheduled to begin here in about an hour.

The rally was originally planned to start at the Place de la Bastille in central Paris, but authorities banned it, citing concerns over a repeat of the incidents from last weekend.

A court also finally dismissed an appeal filed by the rally organizers two hours ago, leading to the gathering being held here as permitted by authorities.

French authorities expect up to 100,000 people to participate in protests in Paris alone today, and about 500,000 nationwide.

Despite protests being banned in major cities such as Lyon and Marseille, the scale is expected to match that of last weekend.

While the rally organized by major trade unions has been moved to the outskirts of central Paris, another protest group, the Yellow Vests, maintains its stance to push ahead with a rally in the city center, leaving the possibility of clashes open.

[Anchor]

In response, is the government stepping up its level of response, and how?

[Reporter]

Yes, first, the police have decided to deploy 70,000 personnel nationwide for today, Saturday.

Military troops, including special forces, will also be deployed.

Authorities have decided to mobilize 20 armored vehicles, 15 water cannon trucks, and surveillance helicopters.

French President Emmanuel Macron has also canceled his official visit to Africa to prepare for this weekend's protest situation.

[Anchor]

Amidst all this, was there even a shooting rampage?

[Reporter]

Yes, on Friday morning local time in a suburb of Paris, a man in his 30s went on a random shooting rampage, leaving 1 person dead and 5 injured.

Most of the injured are also in critical condition.

President Macron defined the attack as a racist terrorist act, stating that the victims were targeted because of their skin color or religion.

While the exact motive for the crime has not yet been confirmed, concerns are being raised that if it is revealed to have targeted specific groups such as immigrants, the protest dynamics could become even more intensified.

(Video by Kim Si-nae | Video Editing by So Ji-hye)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.