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France bracing for bigger, more violent ‘yellow vests’ demos

President Emmanuel Macron is hoping the debate — a response to voters’ demands for more of a say in national law-making — will help tamp down the protesters’ anger

“People from Asia in particular are worried and need to be reassured,” Tourism Minister Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne said.

The government is taking an increasingly tough line with the rural and small-town protesters, who accuse Macron, 41, of being deaf to the concerns of ordinary citizens and of favouring the rich over the poor in his policies.

Some are intent on forcing him from office.

On Monday, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced that 80,000 security force members would be deployed nationwide on Saturday.

“Those who question our institutions will not have the last word,” Philippe said.

He also announced plans for legislation to ban known “troublemakers” from taking part in demonstrations.

Some protesters accuse the police of fanning the flames by using tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades against demonstrators.

A police captain in the southern city of Toulon was also filmed punching demonstrators last weekend.

Macron tried to take the heat out of the protests in December by announcing a 10-billion-euro ($11.5-billion) package of wage boosts and tax relief for low earners.

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