French President Emmanuel Macron is meeting for the first time with student representatives amid ongoing concerns that drive recurring protests in France. The meetings come ahead of new planned demonstrations, following a broader nationwide movement that began earlier.

Outlets report that Macron’s engagement includes discussions with high school pupils and that the talks are intended to address grievances linked to conditions at schools. France 24 additionally says Macron holds a “defence council” as part of preparations for demonstrations scheduled for Saturday. Al Jazeera frames the coverage around where the protests may be heading, while Channel NewsAsia highlights the novelty of the president meeting student representatives for the first time.

Across reports, the common thread is Macron’s effort to engage student voices as more protests are expected, with emphasis differing on the purpose of the meetings and the government’s preparation steps.