French President Emmanuel Macron has declared that “ultra-left groups” are orchestrating the recent riots and looting across France, with the explicit aim of destabilizing the Republic. In response to escalating violence that has seen businesses board up windows in fear of further unrest and authorities banning protests in cities like Lyon, Macron announced a new strategy to prohibit demonstrations by “individuals or groups with no legitimate authority.” While acknowledging that trade unions may request to hold demonstrations, he stated that prefects will examine these requests under the law but will propose alternative routes to safeguard city centers, businesses, and public buildings, emphasizing that the general recommendation is to avoid demonstrations in the coming days. This firm stance comes as protests, initially sparked by education reform calls in September and now amplified by far-left elements, are anticipated to intensify this weekend with the potential involvement of “yellow vest” movement activists and the CGT labor union, following a Thursday protest in Paris that saw an administrative court overturn a police ban despite concerns over masked youth clashing with police, looting shops, and torching cars.
Adapted from: Latest World News on Fox News
