Macron Vows Crackdown on Non-Union Protests in France

Paris, October 22: Following a Gulf tour, French President Emmanuel Macron chaired a session with his cabinet ministers and the Security Council to examine ways of containing unrest on the streets of French cities.

The meeting strongly denounced the conduct of organised ultra-left groups, which it labelled anti-national. Macron also suggested that future protests might be limited to those organised by trade unions alone.

In remarks to reporters, Macron conceded that the response to last weekend’s protests had contained “gaps,” since the events had unfolded to a degree “suddenly.” He stressed that the government must learn from these shortcomings and apply the lessons during this weekend’s expected gatherings.

He noted that local administrations now have the authority to act on their own, including by prohibiting public assemblies. The justice system, he said, has been made “fully ready” to handle any situation that arises.

The president endorsed the Justice Ministry’s call for severe penalties against people taking part in riots.

He was unequivocal in describing the situation. “We are seeing organised ‘ultra-left’ groups engage in political and treasonous acts, whose aim is to bring down the Republic,” Macron said. “These groups openly claim responsibility for extremely violent and grave actions.”

According to Macron, the state will display “unwavering firmness” in stopping riots and will act “on several fronts” to re-establish public order.

Trade union demonstrations that are lawful will be examined under the law and allowed to take place in a manner that ensures their safe conclusion. Any other protests not organised by unions, however, will be “completely prohibited” wherever “possible.”

Macron further assured the public that Prime Minister Lecornu will meet student organisations next week to address their “legitimate demands and grievances.”