French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm ahead of nationwide protests over rising living costs, as authorities warn of possible violence amid weeks of student demonstrations.
The protests, scheduled for Saturday, are expected to draw nearly 200,000 people nationwide, including around 40,000 in Paris, according to police estimates. The Yellow Vest movement has called for “yellow and youth” demonstrations, inviting students, workers, teachers, pensioners and farmers to participate.
Macron, speaking during European Union talks in Brussels, stressed that the right to protest must go alongside “respect for people and property”. He also said students’ legitimate demands were being exploited for political purposes.
Authorities have prohibited demonstrations near key locations in Paris, including the presidential palace, the prime minister’s office and the Champs-Elysees shopping avenue.
Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has established a crisis monitoring cell amid concerns about clashes. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned that police could use stun grenades if extremely serious urban violence erupts.
The protests come as the government attempts to secure parliamentary approval for a cost-cutting budget, while demonstrators demand stronger protection against inflation and increased public spending, particularly on education.
Anger over alleged police brutality has also intensified tensions, with several teenage protesters seriously injured and thousands arrested during earlier demonstrations. More than 600 rallies have reportedly been planned across France.
