Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that French authorities would ban protests deemed “illegal” in the coming days. The president blamed far-left groups and vandals for the looting and unrest recorded last weekend.
After talks with intelligence service chiefs and senior government ministers, Macron clarified that rallies called by trade unions and other organizations would be allowed. However, to protect businesses, authorities could divert them to alternative routes.
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“Last Saturday, we witnessed political and insurrectionary acts by far-left groups seeking to overthrow the Republic,” the French president said.
Macron’s stance comes as institutions across the country are stepping up preparations for further protests, following one of the most serious periods of urban unrest in recent years.
Local authorities have banned all protests scheduled for Saturday in Lyon, France’s second-largest city. Despite the decision, various organizers are planning new rallies, while officials warn of possible tensions and violence over the weekend.
The organizers also include the country’s main student unions, including UNEF, which have called for protests on Saturday. At the same time, the “Yellow Vests” movement, created in 2018 as a force opposed to the political establishment, has requested permission for a march in central Paris.
Fears of an escalation have prompted businesses in central areas of Paris to board up their shop windows. Luxury goods company Hermes also announced that it had increased security measures at its stores in France.
Measures are also being taken in the northern city of Orléans to deal with possible unrest. The National Rally, the far-right party, is expected to hold its annual gathering there, while trade unions and left-wing groups have announced demonstrations.
A student protest planned for Thursday in Paris was banned by the authorities. To prevent unauthorized gatherings, transport services closed several metro stations in the center of the capital.
Severe urban unrest began on October 17 in France, at a time when the country was also facing nationwide protests. The clashes highlighted widespread public dissatisfaction and raised concerns about the security forces’ ability to maintain order.
According to French officials and media reports, two people have been arrested in connection with an arson attack on the Limoges city hall.
Meanwhile, the third consecutive night of a local curfew in areas affected by the violence ended without major incidents. This gave the government temporary relief ahead of the tense days expected over the weekend.
Behind the violence seen in the streets lies broader social discontent. Rising energy prices, families’ difficulties in covering their expenses and fears about declining public-service quality have fueled anger among workers and young people.
The political confrontation has also intensified, as the government accuses radical left-wing political groups of inciting the unrest.
The consequences of the social and political tensions have also been felt in financial markets. On Thursday, the yield on 10-year French government bonds rose above that of U.S. bonds with the same maturity for the first time since 2013.
The latest developments are putting the French government under increased pressure as it seeks to guarantee public order, address social discontent and prevent the situation from worsening ahead of the protests announced for the weekend.
