Macron calls for ‘calm’ ahead of cost-of-living protests in France
The country's Yellow Vest movement has appealed to teachers, students, workers, pensioners and farmers to take part, with over 200,000 people expected join nationwide.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned of "calm" ahead of nationwide cost-of-living protests on Saturday, fearing potential violence. Paris authorities have banned demonstrations in the city center. The Yellow Vest movement, which protested against Macron's government eight years ago, is calling for the "yellow and youth" demonstrations, inviting teachers, students, workers, pensioners, and farmers to join.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez predicted a large turnout, estimating around 200,000 participants, with 40,000 expected in Paris. Macron emphasized the right to protest must come with respect for people and property, suggesting the legitimate demands of students are being exploited for political gain. The unrest has drawn support from France's far-left and far-right parties.
Protests are expected to merge with anger over rising living costs, weighing on Macron's government before the April-May presidential election. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has ordered a crisis cell to monitor the demonstrations, expressing fears of clashes following urban violence during student protests. Activists are organizing over 600 demonstrations across France, while authorities prepare for possible violence, with police chief Patrice Faure banning demonstrations near key locations.
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