The French government says it fears “major violence” in Paris on Saturday as the national “yellow vests” protest movement shows little sign of easing.
The government said it was scrapping the fuel tax increases in the budget – the original spark for the protests.
But discontent over government policy has spread, and protests have erupted over several other issues.
Yesterday, more than 140 people were arrested at a single protest about proposed reforms to the school system.
The rally, in Mantes-la-Jolie in Yvelines, ended in clashes with police in front of a school, reports said. Dozens of other schools were blockaded in cities like Marseille and Paris.
Meanwhile, Saturday’s planned rally of the yellow vests looks set to go ahead. Recent protests have turned violent, causing millions of euros in damage.
BBC/JUDE