Macron announces protest restrictions after France unrest

Emmanuel Macron has defended his government's handling of street disturbances that occurred in Paris and other major French cities during massive student and yellow-vest protests. The French president said his Government is acting "with method, serenity and determination" in response to the clashes. According to Macron, "we will act with firmness and use all the means the law permits us to prevent such events from occurring again".

In addressing the unrest, Macron pointed to signs of "foreign manipulation" of the clashes, claiming that political forces from other countries are exploiting these incidents. However, the president qualified his statement by noting there is no direct foreign interference, but rather manipulation of the facts.

In response to the violence recorded, Macron announced restrictions on demonstrations in France. According to the president's statements, "the general recommendation is that there should be no demonstrations in the coming days". The Government is seeking with these measures to prevent further looting, violent acts and damage to shops and public buildings.

The president convened a Defence Council to coordinate the response to the unrest. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez will participate in this meeting and present the police operation for October 24, in reference to further planned protests.

Macron indicated that security forces will deploy "intensively" ahead of further mobilizations. The French Executive is thus seeking to reduce tension following the massive clashes of the weekend, which included significant damage to public infrastructure including the town hall in Limoges.

The massive demonstrations on Saturday were staged against the high cost of living and the deterioration of public services, though they subsequently degenerated into multiple serious clashes. Polarization in French politics has intensified in the days following these events.