France Bans New Protests Following Weekend Violence and Unrest

French authorities have imposed bans and restrictions on new protests following violent demonstrations last weekend. President Emmanuel Macron announced these measures after a meeting with key ministers and intelligence officials, stating that the priority is to restore calm in the country.

Macron mentioned that curfews and other security measures would be enacted, including prohibiting groups deemed as lacking legitimacy from holding protests. He plans to hold another meeting on Friday to discuss the upcoming nationwide demonstrations scheduled for Saturday.

The unrest began on October 17, during mass protests against rising living costs, which attracted over half a million participants. The demonstrations turned violent, leading to significant looting and vandalism. Macron’s government acknowledged that police lost control during these events, and some political candidates are criticizing the government for its inability to manage the situation.

While a protest organized by students in Paris went ahead after a court overturned a police ban, authorities have declared a complete ban on protests in Lyon, where significant looting occurred. Other cities, including Grenoble and Rouen, have also issued bans on protests in their centers.

In Paris, police have allowed a march to take place in the eastern part of the city but have restricted it from entering the city center. The Yellow Vest movement, which is organizing protests against the cost of living, has expressed disagreement with the government’s orders.

In response to the violence, the French government plans to deploy more police this Saturday than last weekend. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin reported that many individuals have been arrested since the unrest, with ongoing prosecutions for those involved in violent acts.