French weekend protests to be limited to union demos only, says Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that only authorized union protests will be permitted in France following recent violent riots. The government plans to increase police presence and ban non-union demonstrations to restore public order.
Why it matters
The decision reflects a significant escalation in the government's response to civil unrest and highlights the tension between the right to protest and public safety.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The tourism office in Lyon was set on fire during protests last weekend, the city has banned all demonstrations this Saturday
Only authorised union protests will be allowed in French towns and cities on Saturday, President Emmanuel Macron has said, after demonstrations across the country turned violent last weekend.
Speaking as some cities including Lyon and Nice imposed complete bans, Macron said "illegitimate" protests would not be allowed but unions would be offered alternative routes so that businesses could be protected.
Big demonstrations against the high cost of living and school conditions were overshadowed last Saturday by riots and looting that saw business and historic buildings destroyed.
Interior Minister Jean-Didier Berger said law enforcement would be 20% higher than it was last weekend, after the government had promised a "massive" police deployment.
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