France restricts the right to demonstrate to avoid riots

BarcelonaFrance is trying to shield itself to avoid situations of chaos and violence once again this Saturday, when another day of major mobilizations is expected. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that "illegitimate" protests will be banned, that is, those not organized at the request of the unions, and that alternative routes will be offered to them to protect city centers and businesses, which suffered looting and destruction last Saturday.

Macron announced this after a meeting with intelligence service officials and ministers of his government to evaluate last week's security failures and assess what measures need to be taken for Saturday. The president also said he will convene a defense council this Friday.

In line with recent days, Macron has pointed to the far-left as the main party responsible for the disturbances and has accused "the ultra-left" of "sedition" and wanting to "bring down the Republic".

20% more police

For Saturday, 20% more police forces will be mobilized than on October 17, as stated to the television station BFMTV by the number two of the Interior Ministry, Jean-Didier Berger. He also explained that the planned deployment will be reinforced by soldiers from Operation Sentinel and elite police and gendarmerie units, as well as helicopters and armored vehicles. To achieve this mobilization, the decision has been made to “cancel the holidays” of members of the security forces.

In Paris, the police have authorized a demonstration called by the CGT, which will go from the Bastille to Nation. On the other hand, the march organized by Interfac IDF and the yellow vests, which also intended to leave from the Bastille to the Opera, will be prohibited. “The violence observed last weekend, as well as at the end of recent demonstrations, especially on October 13, requires maximum caution when choosing routes in order to maintain public order,” declared the capital's police headquarters.