Macron urges calm as France braces for cost-of-living protests

French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm Friday ahead of nationwide cost-of-living protests Saturday, as authorities fear potential violence that could escalate weeks of student demonstrations. Paris has banned protests in central areas, with officials estimating up to 200,000 participants nationwide, including 40,000 in Paris. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said a large turnout is expected, with police prepared to use stun grenades in cases of "extremely serious urban violence." The Yellow Vest movement, which protested against Macron eight years ago, has joined students, workers, pensioners, and farmers in Saturday's "yellow and youth" demonstrations. Macron stated that legitimate student demands are being "exploited for political purposes." The protests come six months before France's presidential election, with far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon backing students and far-right candidate Marine Le Pen supporting police. Public anger over police brutality during student protests has grown, with several teenagers seriously injured and thousands arrested. Organizers have listed over 600 demonstrations across France, while authorities banned marches near key government sites and the Champs-Elysees.