France’s government pledged on Monday to replace its national online university admissions platform in 2028, seeking to quell student anger after weeks of mass protests over education and living costs.

Protests over inequality and living costs drew an estimated 410,000 people across France, with clashes in several cities for a second straight weekend.

About 70,000 police and security officers, mobilized ahead of mass protests, will try to avert the arson and looting that shocked the country last weekend.

Protesters have focused their anger on French President Emmanuel Macron, who they blame for the rising cost of living and record-high oil prices.

French President Emmanuel Macron promised new measures to address nationwide protests following 1,435 arrests during weekend demonstrations.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez says nearly 1,000 people were arrested as 70,000 police officers deployed across the country amid nationwide protests.

By Crispian Balmer and Sudip Kar-Gupta PARIS, Oct 26 (Reuters) - French authorities are bracing for more street unrest next weekend despite a huge security operation that helped contain nationwide demonstrations on Saturday,