Macron Bans ‘Illegitimate’ Protests After France Weekend Riots
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that “illegitimate” protests would be banned in the coming days, blaming “seditious” ultra-left groups and vandals for last weekend’s riots and looting — some of France’s worst urban unrest in years. The announcement came after a meeting with intelligence chiefs and senior ministers as authorities brace for a fresh round of demonstrations this weekend.
Curfews across Paris, Nice and northern cities
French authorities have introduced overnight curfews in parts of Paris, Nice, Lyon and several northern towns following violent riots and looting. In Paris, a curfew runs from 10 pm to 6 am around Place de la République and the Les Halles shopping district, applying to the entire population, along with a ban on demonstrations in certain Paris neighbourhoods from 8 pm to 6 am. Lyon has a 9 pm to 6 am curfew in the Presqu’île area, while Nice introduced a nighttime curfew for minors in the city centre. Overnight curfews were also imposed in four northern communes — Lille, Douai, Wattignies and Denain — from 8 pm to 6 am.
The restrictions follow weekend demonstrations against the rising cost of living and fuel prices. Around 550,000 people took part in 110 demonstrations across France on Saturday, including 110,000 in Paris, while about 400 arrests were recorded nationwide, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said.
What is expected this weekend
All protests planned for Saturday in Lyon, France’s second-largest city, have been banned, local authorities said. Yet fresh demonstrations are already taking shape: France’s main student union UNEF has called for rallies on Saturday, while the Yellow Vest movement has filed plans for a march through central Paris. A student protest called for Thursday in Paris was banned, though metro stations in central Paris were nonetheless shuttered by transit authorities in anticipation of unauthorised gatherings.
Businesses in central Paris have begun boarding up their shop windows in case of violence. Luxury goods group Hermès said it had stepped up security measures at its French stores. Elsewhere, authorities in the northern city of Orléans were bracing for potential unrest as the far-right National Rally was due to hold an annual meeting and unions and left-wing groups planned counter-demonstrations.
Macron’s message
“Last Saturday we had political and seditious acts by ultra-left groups whose aim is to bring down the Republic,” Macron said, adding that demonstrations organised by groups such as trade unions would be allowed to go ahead but could be diverted along alternative routes to protect businesses. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has called for targeted security measures, while Macron has demanded a review of security failures and stronger action to prevent further violence.
The weekend’s unrest is linked to rising living costs, fuel prices and grievances over public services. The Indian embassy in France has also issued a fresh safety advisory for Indian nationals amid the protests and local curfews.
Global context
France’s turmoil comes amid a tense global backdrop. In the Middle East, Iran has claimed its forces targeted oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, while reports say the US and Israel are preparing new strikes on Iran after the US midterms — a reminder of how quickly domestic and international flashpoints are converging this year.
Sources: Reuters, BFMTV, europesays.com