Morning opening: Macron hosts a security council meeting on protests

Jakub Krupa

French president Emmanuel Macron is back from his tour of the Gulf and convening a meeting with relevant ministers and intelligence services to figure out what can be done to prevent unsavoury scenes on the streets of French cities as more protests are planned for this Saturday.

French president Emmanuel Macron gestures as he speaks to members of the media on his Gulf trip. Photograph: Benoît Tessier/Reuters

“The government must hold its nerve,” Macron told reporters earlier this week.

He is expected to speak after the meeting, so once to watch.

Later today, French prime minister Sébastien Lecornu will hold a separate meeting with party leaders to discuss their concerns, including about policing and the next year’s presidential campaign.

French prime minister Sébastien Lecornu seen here during a session of Questions to the Government in Paris, France.…