Macron bans ‘illegitimate‘ protests in France as he tries to get a grip on unrest

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>French president will decide on concrete ‘next steps’ regarding demonstrations on Friday as part of tough security response to recent rioting</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/22/fallout-fast-tracking-french-rioting-cases">Angry lawyers and bewildered defendants: the fallout from fast-tracking French rioting cases</a></p></li></ul><p></p><p>Emmanuel Macron has said “illegitimate” demonstrations will be banned over the coming days as France seeks to get a grip on civil unrest after <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/19/looting-french-cities-continues-second-night">some of its worst street violence in years</a> erupted on the fringes of cost of living protests at the weekend.</p><p>Speaking after a ​meeting with intelligence chiefs and senior ministers, the French president said on Thursday that demonstrations organised by recognised groups would be allowed to go ahead, although their routes could be changed.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/22/macron-ban-illegitimate-demonstrations-france-unrest">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.