Protests in France

Macron: “Far-left extremists aiming to overthrow the Republic”

President Emmanuel Macron delivered a televised address to the nation on Thursday, initially acknowledging that the handling of the weekend’s protests had been inadequate. He stated that authorities have sought to learn from these mistakes ahead of the coming weekend. The President then launched a sharp attack.

“We are witnessing both political and outright insurrectionary acts carried out by organized far-left extremist groups with the goal of overthrowing the Republic,” Macron said, adding:

“These are actions for which the groups themselves openly claim responsibility, and which are characterized by extreme, severe violence.”

Only French trade unions permitted to demonstrate this weekend

All protests in Marseille are banned for Saturday, according to AFP. Earlier on Thursday, local authorities in Lyon and Nice reached the same decision.

Following a crisis meeting on Thursday, the government announced that the only gatherings permitted in French cities on Saturday will be authorized trade union demonstrations, according to the BBC.

Meanwhile, they announced that the judicial system has mobilized all available resources to support local authorities, reports The Guardian.

Macron: “No demonstrations should take place”

French President Emmanuel Macron intends to significantly restrict the right to demonstrate over the coming days, reports BFMTV.

“The general recommendation is that no demonstrations should take place,” he stated, among other remarks. Trade unions wishing to organize protests will be an exception, but they will not be offered alternative routes to protect city centers and shops.

In recent weeks, France has been shaken by protests that, in several places, have descended into violence.