France witnessed another day of nationwide demonstrations on Saturday as trade unions, students and Yellow Vests activists continued protests over government policies, rising living costs, low wages and deteriorating public services.

The fourth consecutive Saturday of mobilization came just two days after a nationwide general strike that brought hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets across the country, highlighting growing public frustration with the government of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.

According to France's Interior Ministry, 575,000 people participated in demonstrations across the country on Thursday, while the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), one of France's largest trade unions, put the figure at nearly 1.6 million across 193 demonstrations.

The protests have brought together workers, students, pensioners and other sections of society demanding higher wages, improved purchasing power, tax reforms and better conditions in education and public services.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be deployed nationwide on Saturday to prevent a recurrence of the looting and vandalism that marred demonstrations on October 17.

"If there are any rioters or looters... we'll be ready and waiting for them," he warned.

The Interior Ministry said the extensive security operation would include 110 mobile security units, armored vehicles, water cannon, helicopters and drones. Authorities also warned against unauthorized gatherings and potential attempts to block roads or damage public property.

In Paris, the Yellow Vests movement called for a separate demonstration at Place de la Concorde, near the National Assembly and the presidential palace, despite a ban imposed by authorities.

"We are calling for mass disobedience," said Benjamin Ball, a member of the movement's coordinating committee.

The Yellow Vests, which emerged in 2018 through grassroots protests against planned fuel-tax increases under President Emmanuel Macron, have called on supporters to defy the ban and take to the streets.

Meanwhile, trade unions and student organizations organized an authorized march from Place de la République to Place de la Nation in the French capital, demanding action on the rising cost of living and greater support for young people.

By Saturday afternoon, around 100 Yellow Vest protesters had gathered at Place de la Concorde, according to French media reports, while the authorized Paris march had begun moving towards Place de la Nation.

The demonstrations come amid growing tensions between protesters and security forces. Although the increased police presence has helped contain violence during recent rallies, the authorities' response has faced criticism over alleged excessive use of force. (ILKHA)