After weekend unrest, Macron blames ‘seditious’ left as France bans protests in four cities
Protests restricted in major cities
Authorities outlawed Thursday demonstrations in parts of Paris, Lyon, Lille and Grenoble. A police source told AFP the bans were needed because organisers could not prevent violence and vandalism.
Macron targets far-left groups
Macron blamed Saturday’s riots on “seditious acts” by “ultra-left” groups, accusing them of trying to “bring down the Republic”. He said he would convene France’s defence council on Friday to consider further action.
Students cite school conditions
The education demonstrations began last month at a high school in Creteil, southeast of Paris, over a lack of staff. Students have raised concerns about underfunding, dilapidated facilities and staff shortages, particularly in lower-income neighbourhoods.
Museums and security plans
The government said the Louvre, Orsay and Picasso museums in Paris would be closed on Saturday because of new planned demonstrations. Melenchon wrote on X that the army would guard buildings instead of police on Saturday, and said the Paris police prefect was asking shopkeepers to use private security guards.
Key points
- Demonstrations planned for Thursday are banned in parts of four French cities.
- Macron blamed far-left groups for violence during Saturday’s protests.
- More than 200 shops were looted during last weekend’s unrest.
- The Louvre, Orsay and Picasso museums will close on Saturday.