France braces for tense day of protests as demonstrations gather pace amid mounting security fears

The French government and security forces are on high alert as more protests are scheduled across the country on Saturday. Unions and citizens are taking to the streets to protest the cost of living crisis and rising fuel prices. A large number of student protesters are joining in as well. A source close to France's interior ministry said 500 actions are planned across France, as well as roughly 90 protests. These protests follow four weeks of student demonstrations over a range of issues, including teacher absences, overcrowded classrooms and outdated facilities. Most of these protests have been peaceful, but there have been clashes involving rioters and widespread criticism of alleged police violence. Authorities are also prepared for possible violence on Saturday in Paris and other major cities. A day prior, French President Emmanuel Macron said that demonstrators have a right to protest, but that this should be accompanied by respect for people and property.