France's Macron calls for order, says foreign criticism of unrest 'stupid'

President Emmanuel Macron vowed on Wednesday to prevent a repeat of last weekend's violence at planned protests, dismissing foreign criticism as 'stupid' and 'unacceptable'. France's main student union called for further rallies on Saturday, while unions pledged a general strike on November 5. France experienced severe urban unrest on October 17, with 2,500 arrested and 174 jailed. French 10-year bond yields rose to 5%, the highest since July 2002.

President Emmanuel Macron vowed on Wednesday to prevent a repeat of last weekend's violence at protests planned in the coming days, and dismissed as 'stupid' and 'unacceptable' comments from some foreign leaders about the unrest. France's main student union, UNEF, has called for further rallies on Saturday, while the Yellow Vest group has filed plans for a march through central Paris the same day. Efforts to ease social tensions showed little sign of progress, as unions pledged to press ahead with a general strike on November 5 to denounce the high cost of living and cuts to public services. France was hit by some of the worst urban tumult in years on October 17, shocking the nation both because of its scale and the apparent inability of police to contain it. Macron said he would meet intelligence officials and senior ministers on Thursday to discuss the crisis. He also accused some foreign leaders of spreading misinformation, with US President Donald Trump in particular blaming immigrants and radical Islam without providing evidence. French government borrowing costs have jumped, pushing benchmark 10-year bond yields to 5%, their highest level since July 2002. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said around 2,500 people had been taken into custody following the October 17 protests, with 917 suspects referred for prosecution and 174 people already jailed. Protests have also spread to other European countries, including Greece and Italy.