French Protests Erupt as Students, Unions, and Yellow Vests Unite
Tens of thousands are expected to protest across France on Saturday as students, trade unions, and Yellow Vest remnants unite against high prices and the country's fraying social model. The demonstrations follow a month of unrest sparked by high school conditions in Paris' poor suburbs. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu fears violence, with over 900 police injured since protests began, and the government blames hard-left France Unbowed for inflaming tensions. Police are under scrutiny for injuries, including a teen's hand blown off by a stun grenade, though such weapons may be used again. The protests stem from a broader "perma-crisis" of inflation and wars, echoing the 2018 Yellow Vest movement against living costs. Far-right leader Jordan Bardella expects "a day of chaos," while Macron's presidency ends amid investor concerns over French debt.