Macron vows to prevent unrest at French protests, dismisses foreign criticism as 'stupid'

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed Wednesday to prevent a repeat of last weekend's urban violence at upcoming protests, dismissing foreign criticism of the unrest as "stupid" and "unacceptable." Macron said he would meet intelligence officials Thursday to discuss the crisis, promising to stop disorder at Saturday's planned rallies by the UNEF student union and Yellow Vest group. He accused foreign leaders, including US President Donald Trump, of spreading disinformation, while unions pledged a general strike on November 5 after talks ended inconclusively. French government borrowing costs jumped this week, with 10-year bond yields hitting 5%, their highest level since July 2002, reflecting investor concerns. Around 2,500 people were detained following the October 17 protests, and similar demonstrations across Europe have heightened worries about living standards and budget pressures.