French President Macron bans non-union protests and convenes defense council

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that only demonstrations called by trade unions will be allowed on Saturday, October 24, while other protests will be banned wherever possible. The Defense Council will meet on Friday to discuss the protests and the security situation.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday, October 22, after meeting with all intelligence agencies at the Élysée Palace, that only demonstrations called by trade unions would be allowed the following Saturday and that prefects would ban other protests "wherever possible." He said: "This is not the right time; we want calm to return."

Macron will chair a Defense Council meeting on Friday to discuss the protests and the security situation in the country, and the council may take additional decisions. France has witnessed weeks of protests over the rising cost of living, led by students and young people, which have turned into violence and looting in several cities.

Blanket ban in Lyon

The Rhône prefecture banned all demonstrations in the city of Lyon on Saturday, citing the violence and looting witnessed in the city center on October 17. A curfew is being enforced in central Lyon for the third consecutive night. In Paris, the prefecture approved the CGT union's route from Place de la Bastille to Place de la Nation, but rejected a march toward the opera house called by a student group and several "yellow vests." Footage also showed police and gendarmes dragging protesters along the ground.

Security forces will be increased by 20% on Saturday compared with last week, with support from soldiers serving in Operation Sentinelle, elite units, helicopters and armored vehicles. Politico reported that the draft budget includes 2.3 million euros for Macron's office after he leaves the presidency in about seven months.