French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Thursday that “illegitimate protests” will be banned in the coming days. Organized groups, such as unions, will be offered alternative routes for marches.
The French authorities hope that this will protect commercial activities, writes realitatea.md, referring to France 24. The leader from Paris made the announcement after discussions with intelligence officers and ministers.
“Tomorrow (editor’s note: Friday), a defense council meeting will be convened, under my presidency. We will make additional decisions,” Macron stated, adding that, during Saturday’s nationwide demonstrations, only union-organized protests will be authorized.
Macron reported that extreme left-wing groups, with a “subversive” nature, as well as vandals, were behind the riots and looting that took place last Saturday throughout France.
The main student union in France, UNEF, has called for demonstrations to be organized on Saturday, while the “Yellow Vests” movement – an anti-system force that emerged in 2018 – has submitted a request for a march through the center of Paris.