French protests split as unions and Yellow Vests plan separate actions in Paris

French protests are set for this weekend, but the broad protest movement is splitting apart. Student unions and trade unions will hold authorized demonstrations, while the Yellow Vests plan separate actions. On Saturday, student and trade unions are organizing permitted protests in central Paris and elsewhere against high living costs and in support of young people. The Yellow Vests refuse to join them, instead calling for unauthorized gatherings at Place de la Concorde near the National Assembly, urging civil disobedience. Interior Minister Sébastien Lecornu has deployed 70,000 police and security forces nationwide. While most demonstrations have been peaceful, large gatherings in mid-October were followed by violence and looting.