France Braces for Massive Saturday Protests as PM Meets Unions

French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu will meet unions Wednesday to discuss security and promised a "massive" police deployment for Saturday's protests, following last week's riots that triggered a state of emergency and arrests. The protests against rising living costs, organized by the "Yellow Vests" movement and high school students, come six months before presidential elections. New restrictions were imposed in Paris, including a nighttime curfew in the Republic Square and Les Halles areas, plus bans on gatherings near the Champs-Elysées. The government faces criticism across the political spectrum, with far-right candidate Marine Le Pen calling the unrest a "wake-up call." Parliament launched an inquiry into the violence, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez's resignation was rejected by President Macron.