France Braces for Widespread Protests Over Cost of Living as Macron Calls for Calm

Al-Taj News – French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm ahead of protests expected on Saturday against the rising cost of living, amid authorities’ concerns that violence could erupt and further heighten tensions, following weeks of student protests.

With only a few months remaining before the presidential elections scheduled for April and May, local authorities banned demonstrations in the heart of the capital, Paris.

The “Yellow Vests” movement, which led widespread protests against Macron and his government eight years ago, called for demonstrations on Saturday under a slogan combining “the yellow vests and youth,” urging teachers, workers, retirees, farmers, and students to participate.

Authorities fear that the merging of the two protest movements could increase pressure on Macron’s government ahead of the election.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez expected “widespread participation,” while a police source reported that estimates indicated around 200,000 people could take part, including 40,000 in Paris.