France to ban demonstrations not organized by trade unions in coming days

"Regarding the coming days and Saturday in particular ... requests to demonstrate or gather from groups that have no legitimacy to make such demands will be prohibited by the prefects," President Emmanuel Macron said after a security council meeting.

He explained that the trade unions would submit requests to hold demonstrations across the country, which would be then examined by the prefects, referring to officials appointed by the national government in specific regions or departments.

"The prefects will propose alternative routes when requests come from trade union organizations. When they do not come from trade union organizations, demonstrations will be banned wherever possible to restore calm and protect businesses and public buildings," Macron added.

He further acknowledged that there were "failures in anticipation and elements of surprise" during last weekend’s nationwide protests over the cost of living and fuel prices.

"Prefects have already taken several measures wherever necessary, including banning gatherings and demonstrations and imposing curfews. The events of last night once again demonstrated the need for these measures," Macron said.

He added that more in-depth investigations are being done, underlining that "both political and even seditious acts carried out by organized far-left groups seeking to bring down the Republic” had recently been witnessed.

Macron also announced that he will convene a defense council on Friday to ensure preparations are properly made and to take additional decisions.