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France's Macron says "illegitimate" protests will be banned in coming days

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that "illegitimate" street protests will be banned in the coming days following severe nationwide unrest, while officially registered demonstrations staged by trade unions will be rerouted away from commercial districts to shield local businesses from further vandalism and looting.

Reuters WORLD
Published October 22,2026 02:46 PM
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French President Emmanuel Macron said on ⁠Thursday that "illegitimate" ⁠protests would be banned in coming days, while ⁠those from organised groups such as unions would be offered alternative paths for the ⁠marches to protect ⁠businesses.

Macron was speaking after meeting with intelligence officials and senior ministers earlier in ⁠the day to discuss the crisis.

He also said that "seditious" ultra-left groups as ⁠well ‌as vandals ‌were behind ⁠last ‌Saturday's riots and looting ⁠across France.