France warns of violence as Yellow Vests, students prepare for Paris protests

PARIS — French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez warned Saturday of possible violence and unrest during demonstrations in Paris, urging police to remain highly mobile and prepared to respond to attempts to disrupt public order.

Speaking during a visit to the National Police Academy in Paris-Vincennes, Nunez said authorities had received significant calls for disruption from political movements and criminal groups, according to French broadcaster BFMTV.

"There are significant calls for disruption, coming from political movements or simply criminal groups, and we will need to remain extremely mobile," he said.

The minister warned that different groups could attempt to provoke confrontations by targeting businesses, public institutions and security forces.

"We know that we will probably have disparate groups trying to create incidents, either by targeting businesses, institutions or internal security forces," Nunez said.

He urged police officers to remain "extremely responsive" and "uncompromising" as demonstrations were expected across the French capital.

"I am behind you. I know who you are, what you are facing and the violence you are confronting. You can count on my support," he told officers, defending their actions as proportionate.

French students and Yellow Vests protesters are expected to take to the streets Saturday to demonstrate against rising living costs, including high fuel prices.

The planned demonstrations follow a wave of nationwide protests last weekend that drew an estimated 500,000 to 800,000 participants.

More than 2,500 people were arrested during those demonstrations, which descended into violence in some areas, with reports of rioting and looting.