French authorities have banned planned demonstrations in Paris, Lyon, Lille and Grenoble following a weekend of violent unrest, clashes with police and widespread looting, as President Emmanuel Macron warned that unauthorised protests would be prohibited in the coming days.
The unrest has prompted a heightened security response, including localised night curfews in parts of Paris and other cities where authorities say calm has been restored. The restrictions have raised concerns about the right to protest, while student groups have said they intend to continue mobilising despite the autumn school break.
The Paris police prefecture said the demonstration ban was necessary because of the risk of further violence after masked groups clashed with police, looted shops and set cars on fire over the weekend. The ban in Paris will remain in force until 8 pm local time on Thursday and covers areas around the Elysee presidential palace, both houses of parliament, major railway stations and downtown districts badly affected by looting.
Macron said on Thursday, October 22, that demonstrations organised by trade unions could proceed along alternative routes approved by local authorities, while other protests could be banned where necessary to maintain public order and protect businesses and public buildings.
“ The general recommendation is that there should be no demonstrations in the coming days,” Macron said after meeting intelligence officials and senior ministers to discuss the crisis. He added that prefects would propose alternative routes for trade union marches, while demonstrations not organised by unions would be prohibited wherever possible.
The French president also blamed what he described as “seditious” ultra-left groups and vandals for the riots and looting reported across the country on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Paris has issued a safety advisory urging Indian nationals living in or travelling to France to remain vigilant amid the unrest and localised curfews.
The embassy advised Indian citizens to avoid protest sites, large gatherings and crowded places where demonstrations are taking place, and to follow instructions issued by French authorities.
“In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution,” the embassy said.
It also urged Indian nationals to monitor local news and official government updates, including those published on gouvernement.fr, and to check for possible public transport disruptions across French cities.
The advisory comes as authorities continue security measures aimed at preventing further violence and protecting businesses, public buildings and transport infrastructure.
(With agency inputs from Reuters, ANI and PTI)