Macron Restricts French Protests After Violent Riots
- President Emmanuel Macron announced that only authorised union protests will be permitted across French towns and cities on Saturday, following severe riots and looting during demonstrations last weekend.
- President Macron stated that illegitimate protests would be prohibited while offering alternative routes to trade unions to protect local businesses.
- Macron specifically blamed what he termed political and seditious acts organised by far-left groups aiming to bring down the Republic.
President Emmanuel Macron announced that only authorised union protests will be permitted across French towns and cities on Saturday, following severe riots and looting during demonstrations last weekend. The French government is tightening security measures after high-cost-of-living and school-condition rallies were overshadowed by widespread property destruction.
Macron Bans Unauthorised Demonstrations
President Macron stated that illegitimate protests would be prohibited while offering alternative routes to trade unions to protect local businesses. The general recommendation is that there should be no demonstrations,
the French president announced. Those who want to continue to demonstrate, when they are trade union organisations, will have alternative routes proposed by the prefects.
He added that non-union organisations would face bans wherever possible.
Macron specifically blamed what he termed political and seditious acts organised by far-left groups aiming to bring down the Republic. The gilets jaunes movement was behind many of the previous weekend’s protests, and Paris authorities confirmed several of their proposed marches have already been banned.
Regional Authorities Impose Blanket Bans and Curfews
In Lyon, France’s third-biggest city, regional authorities imposed a blanket ban on demonstrations. The Rhône prefecture stated that the prefect decided to prohibit by decree any demonstration in Lyon. Similar prohibitions were issued in Toulon, Rouen, and Grenoble.
Partial curfews restricting young people and public gatherings remain in place across cities including Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, and Lille. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu promised a massive deployment of police officers for the weekend, though some officers told French media they lacked proper training for large crowds.
Interior and Justice Ministries Report Mass Arrests and Jail Sentences
Interior Minister Jean-Didier Berger confirmed that police deployments would increase by 20% compared to the previous weekend after accusations that the government was blindsided by the unrest. The justice minister said on Thursday that 217 people had been jailed following fast-track trials, with that number expected to rise. Gérald Darmanin said 2,700 people had been arrested across France, and more than 1,000 individuals appeared in court. According to Le Figaro newspaper, half of those detained had no prior criminal record.
Security Forces Prepare for Saturday Demonstrations
President Macron met with intelligence services and government ministers to prepare for the upcoming national day of protests.
When they’re not union organisations, wherever possible, they’ll be banned.
President Emmanuel Macron