French weekend protests to be limited to union demos only, says Macron

France will restrict Saturday demonstrations to authorised union marches after protests last weekend were accompanied by looting, fires and damage to businesses and historic buildings. President Emmanuel Macron said unions would be offered alternative routes, while non-union demonstrations would be banned where possible, as the government seeks to restore calm.

About 550,000 people joined protests on 17 October over rising fuel prices, the cost of living and school conditions. Police deployments are set to increase by 20%; authorities report 2,700 arrests and 217 people jailed after fast-track trials, with further cases expected. Lyon and several other cities have imposed full or partial bans, and curfews remain in place in some areas.