French premier appeals for unity after 4th violent protest weekend

French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe vowed to “restore national unity” after the fourth consecutive weekend of violent protests. He said, “No tax should jeopardize our national unity and called for dialogue through work and by coming together.” An estimated 125,000 people took part in marches across the country on Saturday, calling for President Emmanuel Macron to stand down. Nearly 90,000 officers were deployed, armed with tear gas and rubber bullets, including 8,000 in Paris with 12 armored vehicles. The torching of cars, vandalism and looting were rife.