President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that demonstrations this weekend will be limited to events authorised by trade unions, underscoring a tightening of rules around public gatherings ahead of planned actions.
Macron told reporters that only authorised demonstrations would be allowed, specifying that permitted events would be those organised by unions. He framed the move as a measure to manage public order during a period of heightened mobilisation.
Several municipalities have already taken steps to curb unrest. Authorities in cities including Lyon and Nice have issued bans on all public protests, citing concerns about safety and disruption. Local officials said these measures were aimed at preventing violence and protecting property, though details of how bans will be enforced varied between jurisdictions.
The decision to restrict demonstrations to union-authorised events reflects a coordination between national statements and local measures. It leaves trade unions as the primary bodies able to lawfully organise street actions this weekend, while other groups and spontaneous gatherings may face dispersal or legal sanction.
Organisers and civil society groups have not all responded publicly to the announcement, and it was not immediately clear how the new restriction would be implemented on the ground in every city. Law enforcement agencies are expected to play a central role in enforcing the rules, particularly where local authorities have issued blanket bans.
The situation will be watched closely for signs of compliance or confrontation as the weekend unfolds, with implications for public order, freedom of assembly and the ability of non-union groups to express dissent.