Macron signals protest bans after unrest across France

PARIS

AA photo.

French President Emmanuel Macron said authorities could ban some gatherings after nationwide protests over living costs and school conditions were marred by violence, looting and attacks on public buildings.

The Interior Ministry’s latest tally recorded 2,397 arrests and 997 injured police officers and gendarmes, seven of them seriously, following the Oct. 17 demonstrations.

The marches brought together students, parents, trade unions and supporters of the “yellow vest” movement.

In a televised address on Oct. 18, Macron said prefects would coordinate with mayors to protect towns, public buildings and businesses, including banning gatherings where necessary.

He called for those responsible for violence and looting to face prosecution, while acknowledging the legitimate grievances of peaceful protesters.

Students, teachers, unions and employers would hold talks with the government this week, he said.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu was due to chair a crisis meeting on Oct. 19 to arrange support for those affected.

Alexandre Bompard, president of the Federation of Commerce and Distribution, estimated that around 1,500 businesses had been damaged.

Losses could reach hundreds of millions of euros, he said, cautioning that a precise assessment was still premature.

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire announced an emergency team to assess damage and help businesses with administrative procedures and insurance claims.

Shops and public buildings were also damaged in Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux. In Limoges, a fire destroyed much of the historic city hall.

Fresh clashes broke out around Paris’s Place de la Republique on Oct. 18, with police using tear gas and a water cannon to disperse protesters.

One demonstrator died after suffering a cardiac arrest in Paris during the previous day’s protests.

Authorities also opened an investigation after a minor lost a hand in Saint-Etienne.

Israel’s Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, meanwhile, claimed in a post on X that a “civil war” had already begun in France.

“I wish France victory over barbarism, despite its betrayal of Israel,” he wrote.

Chikli also suggested that Belgium and Britain could face similar unrest.