France prepares for day of protest a week after nationwide riots

France on high alert ahead of new protests

• France is on high alert ahead of a new day of nationwide protests on Saturday, a week after the country saw some of its worst unrest in decades. • Some public buildings and businesses have been boarded up. • President Macron decreed earlier this week that only demonstrations organised by a recognised trade union would be permitted to take place on Saturday, and several key cities including Lyon, Nice and Montpellier have gone further. • Leaders of student groups spoke to the media after holding talks with Macron on Friday.