Macron convenes defense council ahead of Saturday protests

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting a defense council Friday morning to address security ahead of Saturday's protests, following a week of violent demonstrations. He will meet with student organizations later in the day and visit police forces amid concerns of further unrest. The defense council is expected to produce additional security measures after last week's riots, which included the burning of Limoges city hall. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will travel to Limoges, while Interior Minister Gabriel Attal warned that a state of emergency may be declared if order is not restored. Political reactions have been sharp, with candidate Nicolas Dupont-Aignan calling for Macron's resignation and criticizing the ban on non-union protests. Police student volunteers will supplement forces during Saturday's demonstrations, while Marseille has reversed its planned transport suspension.