French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Thursday that future protests deemed "illegitimate" will be prohibited in the coming days. This move follows a series of violent demonstrations that occurred last weekend, which resulted in widespread looting and property damage across various French cities.

In his address, President Macron explicitly blamed "seditious" ultra-left groups and opportunistic vandals for the escalation of violence during the recent unrest. The government’s decision to ban certain gatherings is intended to restore public order and protect commercial interests, as shop owners across the country express concern and brace for the possibility of further disruptions. While the government characterizes the measures as necessary to curb criminal activity, the announcement highlights the ongoing tension between the state's security mandate and the right to public assembly. The administration has signaled a shift toward a more restrictive approach to managing street demonstrations in the immediate future to prevent a repeat of the recent destruction.