Macron urges responsibility and warns prefects may ban assemblies

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation after a wave of protests in France that were accompanied by clashes involving tear gas. In his televised message he urged measures to protect towns and businesses and stressed the need for restraint across the political spectrum.

Macron warned that local authorities would be empowered to act where necessary and described concrete steps to reduce risks to the public.

Decisions, coordination and calls for calm

"First, in the current circumstances, prefects will take decisions in coordination with mayors to protect our cities, public buildings and businesses, and, if necessary, will take measures such as banning certain gatherings and other necessary actions. Second, I call on all political parties, as well as professional and trade union organisations, to unequivocally condemn any violence and call for calm. Everyone must act responsibly," Macron said in his address to the nation.

He specifically said prefects and local mayors should coordinate to safeguard urban areas, public infrastructure and companies, and that bans on particular demonstrations could be imposed if needed.

The president also urged political formations, professional groups and unions to denounce violence without ambiguity and to appeal for calm, underlining that all actors must behave responsibly to avoid further escalation.

Photo: press material from the event