Macron Urges Calm Before Cost-Of-Living Protests

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for calm before the nationwide cost-of-living protests scheduled for Saturday, as authorities fear clashes after weeks of student demonstrations.

The protests could increase pressure on Macron’s government before the country’s presidential election next April and May. Organisers have called on students, teachers, workers, pensioners and farmers to join the demonstrations.

The Yellow Vest movement, which led street protests against Macron’s government eight years ago, has called for the rallies under the slogan “yellow and youth.” Organisers say they hope to unite different groups over rising living costs and public services.

“We’re expecting a pretty big turnout,” Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told France 2 television. A police source told AFP that authorities expect nearly 200,000 people to participate nationwide, including 40,000 in Paris.

Macron, speaking in Brussels during European Union talks, urged the people to remain peaceful and respect public property.

“I call for calm and respect,” he said, adding that the right to protest must go hand in hand with “respect for people and property.”

Earlier this week, Macron said he believed students had legitimate demands but warned that their concerns were being “exploited for political purposes,” according to a government spokeswoman. France’s far-left and far-right parties have also taken positions on the unrest.

The people are demanding stronger protection against inflation and increased spending on public services, especially education. Public anger over police conduct has also added to tensions. Several teenagers have been seriously injured, while thousands have been arrested during the student demonstrations.

Organisers have listed more than 600 planned demonstrations across France. However, authorities have warned of possible violence, particularly in Paris and other major cities.

Paris police chief Patrice Faure has banned demonstrations near key government sites, including the Elysee presidential palace, the prime minister’s office and the Champs-Elysees shopping avenue. Police have also prohibited a major march through central Paris. Talks with organisers over an alternative route failed to reach an agreement.

The main Paris demonstration is scheduled to begin at 2 pm local time at Place de la Republique before moving towards northern Paris. An interior ministry official told AFP, on condition of anonymity, that authorities expected disturbances and were concerned about violence from the “ultra-left movement.”

“Actions blocking major roads or large, essential facilities will not be tolerated,” the official said.

People have also developed a smartphone app that provides real-time information on police locations, tear gas and helicopters, as authorities prepare for a potentially tense day of demonstrations.