France Deploys Police Force Ahead of Demonstrations Amid Tensions; Italy Faces Fuel Shortages

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said Friday that France will deploy 70,000 police officers, backed by special units, to deal with Saturday's demonstrations. He accused far-left groups of promoting violence and looting. The government has also banned demonstrations with face coverings. Adnunez said authorities have identified a number of messages online that far-left groups had sent, inciting activists to target public buildings. Meanwhile, the Paris administration has decided to remove trash cans, barricades, and construction materials from the streets ahead of the demonstrations so they cannot be used for violence or vandalism. Some other cities have also banned the purchase and sale of face coverings and fireworks as of Monday. Fuel price hikes since the start of the war in Iran have deepened the crisis in Italy. Truck drivers and truck strikes in southern Italy have led to shortages of groceries, eggs, and other essentials.