Protests in France

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; however, they will not be offered alternative routes designed to protect city centers and shops.

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

All demonstrations in Lyon banned this weekend

All demonstrations in Lyon are banned this weekend, according to local authorities. Like several other places in the country, France’s third-largest city has been hit hard by the violent protests.

The decision was made “in light of calls for new demonstrations that are circulating,” the Rhône prefecture stated.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, major security operations are planned for the weekend due to the risk of further violence.

Shop owners brace for more violence this weekend

There is deep concern among shop owners in central Paris ahead of the weekend, as authorities prepare for the possibility of further violent protests. David, who runs a perfume shop in the French capital, told *Le Figaro* that the police have advised him to clear out his store himself—before someone else does.

He fears that the weekend could become very chaotic.

“If the state doesn’t intervene, a tragedy will occur,” he says. The Ministry of the Interior has announced that the police will carry out a major operation against the protesters on Saturday, involving, among other things, armored vehicles and special forces.

“The goal is to mobilize all our available forces,” a spokesperson said, according to Le Monde.