France's Macron says 'illegitimate' protests will be banned in coming days

France's Macron vows to ban 'illegitimate' protests amid civil unrest

The full report

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to ban unauthorized protests in the coming days, citing the need to protect city centers, businesses, and public buildings from violence and looting.

The decision comes after a weekend of unrest, during which protests over the education system and cost of living escalated into violence and looting, which the government blamed on ultra-left groups.

Macron said that demonstrations organized by groups without legitimate authority would be banned, while those requested by recognized groups, such as trade unions, would be examined in accordance with the law and may be required to use alternative routes.

The measures are aimed at restoring calm and preventing a repeat of the violence seen over the weekend, with authorities planning a massive security operation for the coming weekend.

Student and university groups, as well as unions, have said they would continue to mobilize and hold protests, despite the ban, with France's main student union, UNEF, calling for rallies on Saturday.

The protests, which started in September at a school near Paris over lack of funding for the education system, have since widened to address the soaring cost of living and deteriorating public services.