France moves to ban some protests in major cities after its worst unrest in years

Summary

French President Emmanuel Macron says "illegitimate" demonstrations will be banned over the coming days, after a weekend of some of the country's worst street violence in years, which erupted on the fringes of cost-of-living protests. Speaking on Thursday after a meeting with intelligence officials and senior ministers, Macron said the restrictions are needed to protect city centers and public buildings, and that the move is necessary "so that calm prevails." Demonstrations organised by recognised groups will be allowed to go ahead, although their routes could be changed. Authorities are bracing for more protests amid growing anger over public services and the cost of living, and Macron is due to decide on concrete "next steps" for the next nationwide demonstrations.

Timeline

1. The Times of Israel

   22 Oct 2026, 14:00 UTCSource ↗

   The Times of Israel reports that France is banning protests in major cities as authorities brace for new unrest, with Macron saying the restrictions are needed to protect city centers and public buildings after a weekend of the country's worst violence in years.

2. The Guardian

   22 Oct 2026, 15:54 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Macron has said "illegitimate" demonstrations will be banned over the coming days, while demonstrations organised by recognised groups would be allowed to go ahead, although their routes could be changed.

3. Deutsche Welle

   22 Oct 2026, 16:28 UTCSource ↗

   Deutsche Welle reports that Macron vowed to ban unauthorized protests after France was rocked by violence and looting, as anger over public services and the cost of living grows and authorities brace for more protests.

4. The New York Times

   22 Oct 2026, 19:02 UTCSource ↗

   The New York Times reports that French authorities are banning some protests in the wake of riots, with President Emmanuel Macron saying the move was necessary "so that calm prevails."