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French police brace for New Year’s Eve unrest

French riot police officers hold back demonstrators wearing yellow vests as they demonstrate in front of the french public television network in Paris, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018. Yellow vest protesters marched on the headquarters of leading French broadcasters Saturday, as small groups turned out around France despite waning momentum for their movement. Another small group of yellow vest demonstrators gathered near the Eiffel Tower, and police arrested several, but by nightfall, calm returned to the Trocadero plaza overlooking the tower. (Kamil Zihnioglu / AP)
French riot police officers hold back demonstrators wearing yellow vests as they demonstrate in front of the french public television network in Paris, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018. Yellow vest protesters marched on the headquarters of leading French broadcasters Saturday, as small groups turned out around France despite waning momentum for their movement. Another small group of yellow vest demonstrators gathered near the Eiffel Tower, and police arrested several, but by nightfall, calm returned to the Trocadero plaza overlooking the tower. (Kamil Zihnioglu / AP)
Associated Press

PARIS – France is deploying more than 147,000 security forces nationwide to gird for New Year’s Eve unrest as yellow vest protesters prepare to join the public revelry.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement issued Sunday that the heavy security measures are needed because of a “high terrorist threat” and concerns about “non-declared protests.”

Police in Paris say they will put a security perimeter around the Champs-Elysees, the site of an annual New Year’s Eve light show and celebration. Anti-government protesters angry over taxes and President Emmanuel Macron’s pro-business policies are planning to be on the famed avenue.

The Interior Ministry says extra security across France will focus on popular gathering places, public transportation, roads and shopping areas.

Previous New Year’s Eves in France have produced burned cars and other disorder.