Macron orders bans on Thursday protests in Paris, Lyon, Lille and Grenoble

The French president said “illegitimate” demonstrations will be barred as authorities prepare for fresh unrest.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:00:26 GMT

President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that protests planned for that day in parts of Paris, Lyon, Lille and Grenoble would be banned, saying the demonstrations were being driven by “illegitimate” and “seditious” ultra‑left groups.

What happened

Following a meeting with intelligence chiefs and senior ministers, Macron said authorities would block demonstrations in key areas of the four cities and, where allowed, divert crowds onto alternative routes to protect businesses. The Paris Police Prefecture specified that the ban would apply to zones around the Élysée Palace, the parliament buildings, major train stations and downtown districts where looting occurred, remaining in force until 20:00 GMT on Thursday.

What the reports add

Reuters, cited by NBC News, reported that Macron distinguished between protests organised by trade unions, which could proceed on diverted routes, and those he labelled “illegitimate”. Al Jazeera added that a police source told AFP the ban was deemed necessary because organisers were “unable to prevent violence and vandalism”. Both outlets noted that the bans were announced after weekend riots in which more than 2,500 people were arrested and shops were looted across several cities.

What was said

Macron told reporters, “Last Saturday we had political and seditious acts by ultra‑left groups whose aim is to bring down the Republic,” as quoted by NBC News. A police source, referenced by Al Jazeera, said the restrictions were required due to the “inability to prevent violence and vandalism” by protest organisers.

How it came about

The decision follows a wave of unrest that began on Saturday, when half a million people demonstrated over cost‑of‑living grievances. Earlier Felo coverage documented the scale of the protests and the government’s response, including Macron’s warning that political forces were exploiting the violence (Oct. 17) and his pledge to block “chaos‑seeking” protesters (Oct. 21). The latest bans are a continuation of the security measures introduced after those events.

Key facts

Macron announced bans on Thursday protests in parts of Paris, Lyon, Lille and Grenoble (nbcnews.com)
The Paris Police Prefecture said the ban would apply until 20:00 GMT (aljazeera.com)
Over 2,500 people were arrested after weekend riots (aljazeera.com)
Macron blamed “ultra‑left” groups for the unrest (nbcnews.com)