France braces for fourth Saturday of cost-of-living protests as unions and Yellow Vests unite

France faces a fourth consecutive Saturday of protests against the cost of living, with around 100 demonstrations planned and a distinct Yellow Vests gathering in Paris, two days before a government-hosted "social conference." Unions and student groups are leading the marches, while Yellow Vests aim to assemble near the National Assembly despite a ban. They demand higher wages, action against precarity, and more public services funding, criticizing government repression and a lack of political response. The government, lacking a parliamentary majority, has limited room to maneuver amid high debt. Police report violence against officers, while critics accuse authorities of excessive force, with dozens of internal inquiries opened. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will meet social partners on Monday.