France braces for cost-of-living protests ahead of election

After weeks of student demonstrations, France is bracing for nationwide protests over the rising cost of living, scheduled for Saturday. The prospect of these movements converging, possibly involving violence, presents a significant challenge to the government and an opportunity for presidential candidates from both far-left and far-right parties.

The Yellow Vest movement, which previously held protests against President Emmanuel Macron, has called for the "yellow and youth" demonstrations, urging millions to participate. Protests are expected to involve not only students but also teachers, workers, pensioners, farmers, and Yellow Vest protesters. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has expressed concern over potential clashes following the urban violence witnessed during student protests.

The government is under pressure to pass a budget aimed at tackling the country's increasing public debt by increasing tax revenue and cutting expenses. However, the Yellow Vest and student movements are demanding greater government spending, particularly to protect against inflation driven by the war in the Middle East and to enhance public services, especially education.

Tensions are also fueled by public anger towards police brutality during the student protests, resulting in injuries to teenage protesters and the arrest of thousands. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon and far-right leader Marine Le Pen have both endorsed and criticized the protests, respectively, reflecting the polarized political landscape.

Demonstrations are being organized through a website featuring over 500 planned events across France. Paris police have prohibited a major march through the city center but are preparing for possible violence, even pursuing legal action against a Twitch influencer who encouraged followers to join the demonstrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has indicated that officers might use stun grenades in extreme cases of urban violence, reversing a previous decision to ban their use during student protests due to one incident causing injury to a 15-year-old.