French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday a ban on protest movements not called by unions across the country, as part of tightened security measures following the "Yellow Vests" protests that were accompanied by violence and looting on October 17. This came in statements to journalists before a security council meeting at the Élysée Palace.
In the same context, Macron said: "Movements not demanded by union organizations will be banned in the coming days and weeks." He clarified that demonstrations organized by unions will have their routes reviewed, adding: "The prevailing opinion is not to organize protests in the coming days, and for those wishing to demonstrate, if they belong to union organizations, local authorities will propose alternative routes."
For his part, Macron pointed out that the measures aim to protect workplaces. Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon defended the decision, emphasizing that it was taken "within the framework of the rule of law," and that local authorities have the power to ban movements that pose serious risks to public order.
The authorities of the Loir-et-Cher region announced a ban on all scheduled demonstrations during the weekend in the city of Orléans, while the Rhône region authorities banned demonstrations in the city of Lyon. The authorities stated that the movements that leftists intend to organize in Orléans on October 24, coinciding with a gathering of the far-right "National Rally" party, pose a danger to public order.
In contrast, the administrative court in Paris suspended a decision issued by the capital's police directorate banning a demonstration that the organization "Interfacs," which brings together representatives of universities in the Île-de-France region, intended to organize on Thursday. Local media reported that university students began gathering at the site of the demonstration, which stretches between the Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital and Bastille Square, following the court's decision.
France witnessed on October 17 protests organized by the "Yellow Vests" movement, which also enjoys student support, in opposition to rising living costs and fuel prices. The protests resulted in the arrest of approximately 2,500 people and the injury of more than 1,000 police, gendarmes, and firefighters, while approximately 3,000 shops suffered damage or were looted.
Shop owners expressed their frustration with the government, accusing it of being unable to manage the crisis. The government imposed a partial curfew in some areas, particularly in the cities of Paris, Lille, Lyon, Nice, and Marseille, to prevent potential protests from erupting.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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