Macron said that he will ban any protests which are not by organised groups such as unions
French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday said “illegitimate” protests would be banned in the coming days, as authorities stepped up security measures ahead of another weekend of demonstrations following widespread riots and looting across the country. Speaking after a meeting with intelligence officials, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu and senior ministers, Macron said demonstrations organised by recognised groups, including trade unions, would be offered alternative routes to protect businesses from further damage. “France will bar protests that are not organised by unions in coming days,” he said, as quoted by Reuters.
Macron also announced plans to convene a defence council meeting on Friday to review the security situation, with fresh protests expected over the weekend.
The ban, effective until 8 pm local time, also covered central areas that suffered extensive damage during the weekend riots.
The French president further blamed “seditious” ultra-left groups and vandals for the violence that swept across France last Saturday, when masked protesters clashed with police, looted shops and set vehicles on fire. In Paris, restrictions were imposed around sensitive locations, including the Elysee presidential palace, parliament buildings and major railway stations. The restrictions have raised concerns over the right to protest, even as the government maintains that tougher measures are necessary to prevent further destruction. The unrest comes months before France’s next presidential election, adding to the political pressure on his administration as it struggles to contain the demonstrations while addressing demands for reform.