Macron tightens protest restrictions after unrest across France

French authorities restricted demonstrations in Paris and several other cities on Thursday as President Emmanuel Macron sought to prevent a repeat of violence that accompanied nationwide protests last weekend.

Gatherings were barred until 8 p.m. in key parts of Paris, including areas near the Elysee Palace, parliament, major train stations and locations affected by looting. Authorities also prohibited demonstrations in Lyon, Lille and Grenoble. A Paris student march was later allowed to proceed after a court overturned an initial police ban, according to The Irish Times.

Macron said “illegitimate” protests would be prohibited in the coming days, while authorised demonstrations organised by groups such as trade unions could be assigned routes outside city centres to protect businesses and public buildings. He accused organised “ultra-left” groups of carrying out violent, “seditious acts” intended to bring down the Republic. He also acknowledged shortcomings and an element of surprise in the authorities’ response.

More than 500,000 people demonstrated across France on Saturday over education conditions and the high cost of living, according to Al Jazeera. Rioting and looting followed in several areas, and at least 2,500 people were arrested.

Another large Paris march, involving student and workers’ unions and joined by the Yellow Vest movement, was authorised for Saturday. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu promised a “massive” security operation, while a junior interior minister said the police presence would be 20% higher than the previous weekend, with military, elite police and gendarmerie reinforcements.