French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a crackdown on public demonstrations, ordering authorities to ban protests deemed “illegitimate” and restrict even officially organized marches as nationwide unrest over soaring living costs and deteriorating public services continues.
The restrictions, announced Thursday following an emergency meeting with intelligence chiefs and senior ministers, come ahead of another wave of demonstrations planned for Saturday, after some of France’s worst street violence in years.
Macron said local authorities would prohibit gatherings organized by individuals or groups deemed to lack legitimate authority, while demonstrations arranged by recognized organizations, such as trade unions, would be considered for approval but could be forced onto alternative routes.
“The general recommendation is that there should be no demonstrations in the coming days,” Macron declared, insisting the measures were necessary to restore calm and protect businesses and public buildings.
“Last Saturday we had political and seditious acts by ultra-left groups whose aim is to bring down the Republic,” he claimed, accusing organized radicals of orchestrating violence and looting.
The announcement significantly tightens restrictions on public gatherings in a country where the right to protest is constitutionally protected. Under French law, authorities can prohibit demonstrations on public-order grounds, although such decisions must be proportionate and can be challenged in court.
A Paris administrative court overturned a police ban on a student demonstration on Thursday, allowing thousands of protesters to gather despite official objections. The rally proceeded peacefully under heavy police presence, according to AP.
However, authorities have already prohibited Saturday’s demonstrations in central Lyon, where hundreds of businesses were ransacked last weekend. Similar restrictions have been imposed in Marseille, Nice and Toulon. In Paris, one authorized march has been diverted away from the city center, while another involving students and members of the Yellow Vest movement has been banned.
France has been gripped by escalating unrest since protests over teacher shortages and deteriorating school conditions spread into a broader movement against rising prices, inequality and cuts to public services.
Around 550,000 people joined demonstrations last Saturday, which descended into clashes with police, arson and widespread looting. Nearly 2,500 people have since been arrested, while approximately 1,000 police officers and gendarmes were injured, according to figures reported by French media.
Opposition leaders have blamed Macron’s policies and failure to maintain order for the crisis. National Rally leader Marine Le Pen described him as a president “without credibility or authority” who has “lost all touch with reality,” while left-wing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon accused his government of undermining public services over the past decade.
Even police unions have turned against the administration. Alliance Police Nationale announced plans to sue the state, accusing officials of abandoning officers during the riots and failing to provide adequate equipment and clear instructions.
Macron has also clashed with US President Donald Trump, who blamed France’s turmoil on uncontrolled immigration and radical groups. The French leader dismissed comments by foreign politicians about the unrest as “stupid” and “unacceptable.”
The president is expected to chair another emergency defense council meeting on Friday to decide whether further restrictions are needed ahead of Saturday’s protests.
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