The French Ministry of the Interior has decided to deploy 76,000 police and gendarmes to maintain order during the 250 protests being held by trade unions in France, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau said.

“This is the third day that our law enforcement agencies have been monitoring demonstrations and protests across the country. In total, around 250 protests are planned. We have deployed slightly fewer forces [compared to September 18], but we still have 76,000 police and gendarmes, of which around 5,000 are in Paris alone,” the interior minister said.

The French authorities are ready for the inclusion of radical elements in the ranks of some protesters and that law enforcement agencies intend to ensure peaceful demonstrations for all those who want to express their opinions without violence, Retailleau said.

The authorities will show “zero tolerance” for any disorder and that the instigators will be immediately arrested, added the French interior minister.