France's Macron says 'illegitimate' protests will be banned in coming days

President Emmanuel Macron has announced that only union-led protests will be permitted in French towns and cities on the upcoming weekend, following violent demonstrations last Saturday. Speaking after riots and looting in several cities, including Lyon and Nice, Macron stated that unauthorized protests would not be allowed, but unions would be provided with alternative routes to protect businesses.

Interior Minister Jean-Didier Berger announced a 20% increase in police presence, as the government had previously pledged a large-scale deployment. Since the disorder erupted, at least 2,500 people have been arrested, and Macron convened intelligence services and ministers on Thursday to prepare for the nationwide protests on Saturday.

The general advice is to avoid demonstrations, but those who wish to continue demonstrating as trade union groups will receive alternative routes recommended by local prefects. Macron criticized political and seditious acts organized by far-left groups seeking to overthrow the Republic. Curfews were implemented in multiple cities following the weekend's unrest, and Macron emphasized the government's desire for calm.

The yellow-vest movement, responsible for many of last Saturday's protests, had their proposed marches banned in Paris. Lyon's regional authorities imposed a full ban on demonstrations, while similar measures were introduced in Toulon, Rouen, and Grenoble. Partial curfews restricted the movement of young people and gatherings in cities such as Marseille, Bordeaux, Nice, Lyon, and Lille.

Approximately 550,000 people participated in protests on October 17, mainly against rising fuel prices and living costs, following weeks of student demonstrations. The protests were largely peaceful but turned violent, with riots, looting, and destruction occurring in several major French cities. In Lyon, the tourism office was set ablaze, and the clock tower and part of the roof of the city hall collapsed in Limoges.

A second suspect was arrested after a man in his 30s was detained for allegedly attempting to murder police officers who were in the city hall when the fire started. Paris's Place de la République was vandalized during the unrest. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez resigned but was retained by Macron to address safety and bring rioters to justice. Macron, facing elections in April and May, sought a return to stability.