Macron blames far-left groups for attempt to overthrow the republic
Macron ordered increased policing, said only union-organized marches will be authorised in coming days and summoned the national security council.
French President Emmanuel Macron accused organized far-left groups of trying to topple the republic after riots and looting broke out following last Saturday’s protests against rising living costs.
Speaking at the Élysée Palace after a meeting with security officials, Macron said: "We witnessed both political and rebellious acts, led by organized far-left groups who seek to overthrow the republic."
He told ministers and security chiefs that those groups had taken responsibility for carefully planned acts of violence and that crimes must be punished firmly. "Thousands of people were arrested, several hundred were sent to prison, and the work continues. The minister of justice rightly asked the prosecution to act with the greatest severity," Macron added, and he summoned the National Council for Defence and Security to meet tomorrow morning.
More police on the streets and stricter rules for demonstrations
Jean-Didier Berge, a delegated minister at the Ministry of the Interior, said authorities will deploy 20 percent more security personnel on the streets this Saturday than last week. Macron also warned that, in the coming days, only union-organized protests will be authorized and other demonstrations will be banned whenever possible; prefects will propose alternative routes for trade-union marches.
Already, shops in central Paris are boarding up their windows and luxury brand Hermès has tightened security. In Orléans authorities are preparing for potential clashes: Marine Le Pen's National Rally has scheduled its annual rally there while far-left groups and unions plan counter-demonstrations.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will meet on Monday with representatives of pupil, student, teacher, union and employer organisations, as well as local authorities and MPs, to review complaints and demands. In his televised address on Sunday night, Macron expressed hope that young people would take a seat at the negotiating table to help find solutions.
Photo: press material from the event
