Riot police have fired tear gas on the streets of Paris and arrested around 40 people as clashes erupted ahead of massive protests expected across France today.
Tens of thousands of protesters are expected to close down the French capital following weeks of student protests across the country. Around 600 rallies are planned across the rest of the country.
The main march, scheduled for 2pm local time (1pm UK time), comes after reports clashes have already taken place with tear gas fired by police. Fires have been set in the streets of Marseille.
Protesters demand more school funding
The protesters are calling for more investment in schools and blasting overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of teachers.
Saturday’s mass gatherings come amid calls for unity between students, unions and cost of living protestors. There have even been calls on social media to revive the yellow vest movement, which emerged in 2018 against social injustice.
Student groups who have been protesting since mid-September have urged supporters to join.
Union backing and yellow vest revival calls
The CGT, one of France’s major unions, also backs the protests, calling for “higher wages and pensions, lower prices and the protection of public services that meet people’s needs”.
The gilets jaunes (yellow vests) were one of France’s longest-lived protest movements and staged numerous demonstrations over hikes to the cost-of-living.
Macron appeals for calm
On Friday, French president Emmanuel Macron appealed for calm and respect for people and property as officials warned of possible violence.
“There is a constitutional right to protest and to express oneself, and I have always been vigilant and attentive that that right is fully respected,” Mr Macron said in Brussels.
“But this right comes with the need to respect. Respect for people, respect for property, and therefore a commitment not to insult or destroy.”
Mr Macron denounced the potential presence of people “solely to cause damage and create unrest” as “unacceptable”.
