MORE THAN 1,200 INSPECTIONS AT RAILWAY STATIONS

PARIS, OCTOBER 31 /SRNA/ - Paris police carried out 1,200 checks at railway stations and in surrounding areas on the day of the protests in an effort to identify troublemakers.

According to a post by the police on X, the aim was to prevent demonstrators from setting off firecrackers, using fireworks, and carrying sharp objects and other prohibited items at the protests.

The Ministry of the Interior said that 27 people were arrested at protests across the country over the high cost of living by 2:00 p.m., adding that the situation nationwide "appeared generally calm."

The statement said that 15,000 people were taking part in demonstrations across the country, noting that 217 people had been arrested by the same time last Saturday.

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators are expected to take to the streets across the country this evening, DPA reports.

Police have also deployed "all available resources" in the air to ensure security.

Under an official order, camera-equipped drones are recording and transmitting images of the situation in the French capital.

As last weekend, around 70,000 police officers and other security personnel have been deployed across the country to prevent serious outbreaks of violence and looting.

The demonstrations were called by trade unions, school and student organizations, as well as the Yellow Vests movement, with most marches expected to begin in the early afternoon.

Curfews and restrictions on public gatherings have remained in place after rioters caused extensive property damage in several cities earlier this month.

Since mid-October, young people in France, who have been protesting for weeks demanding better staffing and equipment in schools, have been joined by other groups protesting primarily over the high cost of living.