French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday, October 22, that France would ban demonstrations he believes should not take place, while authorities barred Saturday rallies in Marseille and Lyon in an effort to prevent a return of violence after last weekend’s protests.
On October 17, more than half a million people joined marches against the cost of living and poor conditions in schools. Looting and vandalism broke out at the edges of the marches, and the government acknowledged that police had lost control. Macron blamed far-left groups for the violence and accused them of encouraging people to oppose the government.
The France Unbowed party disputed his accusation. He said demonstrations organized by established groups such as trade unions could still go ahead. Officials might change their routes to keep them away from businesses.
The bans cover every protest planned in Marseille and Lyon for Saturday. But the student union UNEF said its rallies would go ahead. Macron was scheduled to meet student representatives on Friday.
Officials were preparing additional security measures. Three Paris museums—the Louvre, Orsay and Picasso—were also due to close on Saturday. A student demonstration in Paris went ahead on Thursday after an emergency court overturned a police ban.
The decision showed that protest restrictions may face legal challenges. Trade union leaders criticized the restrictions, saying they would not address public anger over living costs, school conditions and pressure on the budget.