France's Macron blames protests on 'ultra-left groups whose aim is to bring down the Republic'
French President Emmanuel Macron vowed Thursday to ban protests by 'individuals or groups with no legitimate authority' as he blamed 'ultra-left groups' for riots and looting across France.
Macron made the remarks as thousands of protesters took to the streets of Paris on Thursday, according to The Associated Press, ahead of larger demonstrations set for this weekend. Businesses in central Paris have started boarding up their windows over concerns of potential violence.
Government Response
Macron stated that the strategy for the coming days is to ban protests requested by 'individuals or groups with no legitimate authority.' Where trade unions submit requests, prefects will examine them but propose alternative routes to protect city centers, businesses and public buildings.
The rules are simple, and I think they're just common sense. The general recommendation is that there should be no demonstrations in the coming days.
Escalating Unrest
Organizers of Thursday's Paris protest said an administrative court overturned a police ban after they challenged it. The Paris police prefecture had previously warned of street violence risks following clashes between masked youth and police forces, including looted shops and torched cars over the weekend.
The protests began in September with calls for education reform before expanding into larger anti-government demonstrations. Thursday's peaceful gatherings in southeastern Paris were watched by heavy police presence, serving as a prelude to Saturday's demonstration when 'yellow vest' activists and the CGT labor union are expected to join.
Related
