Macron urges calm before nationwide cost-of-living protests as Paris bans rallies in the capital’s heart amid fears demonstrations could turn violent

French President Emmanuel Macron called for calm ahead of Saturday’s nationwide cost-of-living protests, as authorities fear they could escalate into violence after weeks of student demonstrations. Paris authorities have banned protests in the heart of the capital, with the rallies expected to begin a fraught six-month run-in to the presidential election.

Speaking in Brussels during European Union talks, Macron said the right to protest must go hand in hand with respect for people and property. A government spokeswoman said he had stated earlier in the week that he believed students’ legitimate demands were being exploited for political purposes.

The Yellow Vest movement, which staged street protests against Macron’s government eight years ago, has called Saturday’s rallies the “yellow and youth” demonstrations. It appealed to teachers, students, workers, pensioners and farmers to take part. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told France 2 television that authorities expected a “pretty big turnout.” A police source told AFP that nearly 200,000 people could participate, including 40,000 in Paris.

France’s far-left and far-right parties have taken positions on the unrest. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the far-left France Unbowed party, has backed the student protests and marched in a demonstration in support of them. Marine Le Pen, who leads in presidential election opinion polls, has positioned her National Rally party on the side of the police.

The prospect of student protests merging with public anger over the cost of living could weigh heavily on Macron’s government ahead of the two-round election in April and May.