France deploys 70,000 security personnel ahead of fresh nationwide protests

French trade unions and student groups are set to stage another day of protests across the country on Saturday, while the Yellow Vests movement plans a separate rally in central Paris despite a ban by authorities.The demonstrations follow weeks of youth-led unrest and nationwide strikes over the rising cost of living and public services.The protests come less than six months before France elects a new president to replace centrist leader Emmanuel Macron, who cannot seek another term.The far right is leading in opinion polls, while the unrest has put pressure on Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu ahead of a meeting with trade unions and employers' organisations on Monday.Student groups and trade unions have called for an authorised march in central Paris "against the high cost of living and in support of young people".The Yellow Vests activists, however, have refused to join the march and instead called for a separate rally at Place de la Concorde, near the lower house of parliament and the presidential palace, despite the authorities' ban.Interior minister Laurent Nunez said 70,000…