PARIS (Reuters) - French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said his country was preparing "exceptional" security measures ahead of protests in Paris and across the country on Saturday amid fears that extremists and rioters would seize the opportunity to create chaos.
Speaking to legislators on Thursday, Philip said the government was taking "all necessary measures" to secure the protests and brought more security personnel to reinforce the already existing 65,000 troops across the country.
Philippe urged the "yellow jackets" to stick to their homes, protecting them "who can hijack the protests," after demonstrations in Paris last Saturday turned into riots and looting.
Philip also praised trade union leaders and local officials who join the government's call for calm.
The government of French President Emmanuel Macaron has been severely damaged by weeks of protests and seems to be in a critical situation.
Philip acknowledged that the government's review this week of its decision to raise the fuel tax that sparked the protest movement is not a response to all the demands of the protesters.
