French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that “illegitimate” protests will be banned in the coming days, attributing last weekend’s riots and looting to “seditious” ultra-left groups and vandals, reports BritPanorama.
Following a meeting with intelligence chiefs and senior ministers, Macron clarified that demonstrations organised by trade unions would be permitted, albeit possibly rerouted to safeguard businesses. He stated, “Last Saturday we had political and seditious acts by ultra-left groups whose aim is to bring down the Republic.”
His remarks coincided with heightened tensions in France, where authorities prepared for further protests amidst some of the most severe urban unrest experienced in years.
In anticipation of unrest, multiple cities imposed bans on protests scheduled for Thursday. This has sparked debate over whether such measures constitute a violation of the French public’s right to assemble.
The unrest in Paris and other cities prompted significant security measures, including night curfews in certain areas of the capital and other regions where order has been restored. Protests planned in Paris, Lyon, Lille, and Grenoble were among those prohibited.
Despite the school autumn break commencing this week, high school and university student organisations have indicated their intent to continue mobilising. The Paris police prefecture justified the ban by citing the risk of further street violence, which had erupted over the weekend, resulting in clashes between masked youth and policeforces, alongside incidents of looting and arson.
The ban in Paris, effective until 8 p.m. local time, spans significant locations such as the Elysée presidential palace, both houses of parliament, and major train stations, as well as areas severely affected by last weekend’s violence.
