Following the violence and looting that occurred during the Yellow Vests demonstrations in France on October 17, the government has brought new security measures to the agenda. President Emmanuel Macron announced the decision to ban demonstrations not organized by trade unions in a statement made before the Security Council meeting held at the Elysee Palace.
Stating that actions not requested by trade union organizations will be banned in the coming days and weeks, Macron said, "We will prevent them wherever we can."
Macron stated that for demonstrations to be organized by unions, governorates will conduct route assessments, and if the request for action comes from trade union organizations, alternative routes may be proposed. Macron argued that the decisions are intended to protect workplaces.
The decision drew reactions from left-wing politicians in the country. Opposition lawmakers criticized the Macron administration, stating that the bans imposed on demonstrations are practices seen in authoritarian regimes.
Government Spokesperson Maud Bregeon, on the other hand, said that the implementation is "within the framework of the rule of law." Bregeon stated that governorates have the authority to ban actions that pose a serious risk to public order. It was reported that demonstrations planned for the weekend in some cities have also been included in the scope of the ban.
News Source: 12punto
