PARIS, Oct 17 — After weeks of student protests, France faces broader, nationwide demonstrations today over the cost of living, setting up a potentially fraught six months heading into a presidential election.
President Emmanuel Macron appealed for “calm” on the eve of the protests that authorities fear could see the two movements merge, perhaps with violence.
The country’s Yellow Vest movement, which eight years ago staged street protests against Macron and his government, called today’s “yellow and youth” demonstrations.
It has appealed to teachers and students, workers, pensioners and farmers to take part in an online call spread through social media.
