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 has urged for calm ahead of nationwide cost-of-living protests scheduled for Saturday. Authorities fear the demonstrations could escalate into violence, as they coincide with weeks of student demonstrations. Paris authorities have banned protests in the city center. The Yellow Vest movement, which previously protested against Macron's government, has called for the "yellow and youth" demonstrations, appealing to various groups including teachers, workers, pensioners, and farmers.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez estimated nearly 200,000 people could participate, with 40,000 in Paris. Macron stressed the importance of the right to protest while respecting people and property. The unrest has garnered support from France's far-left and far-right parties. The student protests have been exploited by political parties for their own purposes, according to Macron.
The prospect of the student protests merging with public anger over rising living costs could impact Macron's government ahead of the upcoming presidential election in April and May.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
