Key facts
- Authorities fear unrest during weekend protests in France.
- Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu described the demonstrations as urban violence.
- Protests are planned for Saturday, marking the anniversary of the Yellow Vest movement.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated on Thursday that authorities are concerned about potential violence during protests scheduled for the weekend. He characterized the ongoing demonstrations, which began as a student movement, as having evolved into a wave of "urban violence."
Hundreds of demonstrations are planned for Saturday, coinciding with the anniversary of the Yellow Vest protests that significantly disrupted France in 2019. Student leaders were expected to meet with education ministry officials on Thursday afternoon.
Lecornu and his government have acknowledged the legitimacy of the students' concerns, with the Prime Minister noting the current atmosphere of "perma-crisis" due to global conflicts, inflation, and purchasing power issues.