The crackdown comes amid nationwide unrest, with even legally organized demonstrations facing new restrictions
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.
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