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France restricts weekend protests; Thursday student march later permitted
French authorities announced protest bans and route restrictions on 22 October ahead of demonstrations planned for Saturday. Marseille and Lyon banned Saturday rallies, while Paris limited the weekend march’s route. A separate student protest in Paris, initially prohibited on Thursday, was later allowed to proceed, according to Reuters.
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From 23 October 2026 — Daily Brief
23 OCT 2026 · 23/25
French authorities tightened restrictions on demonstrations on Thursday, 22 October, ahead of another weekend of protests. President Emmanuel Macron announced the approach after meeting senior ministers and intelligence chiefs.
Local authorities banned all demonstrations planned for Saturday, 24 October, in Marseille and Lyon. Paris police said the planned Saturday march could proceed in the east of the capital, starting at Bastille, but could not enter the city centre.
Macron said demonstrations organised by groups such as trade unions could take place, with alternative routes where needed to protect businesses. He said protests considered illegitimate by the authorities would be prohibited.
A separate student demonstration in Paris was initially banned on Thursday but was later allowed to proceed, Reuters reported. Some central metro stations nevertheless remained closed in anticipation of unauthorised gatherings.
The restrictions followed the violence and looting that accompanied nationwide protests over living costs on 17 October. Macron blamed organised ultra-left groups for the unrest. Protest organisers challenged the limits on demonstrations; a student representative said the government was undermining the right to protest. Yellow Vest organisers also objected to the restrictions on their Saturday route.