Macron announces October 23 defence council ahead of renewed protests

French President Emmanuel Macron said he would convene a defence council on October 23 to take further decisions after the unrest. He announced the meeting after talks with the prime minister and intelligence officials.

The October 22 talks addressed security measures and failures preceding violence during the protests. Macron accused far-left groups of seeking to overthrow the republic and called for a firm response to violence and looting, Interfax reported, citing Le Figaro.

Ahead of demonstrations planned for October 24, he instructed prefects to ban non-union protests wherever possible. Authorities intend to offer unions alternative routes to protect shops and public buildings.

The previous nationwide protest day took place on October 17. Demonstrators demanded action on the cost of living, including lower fuel and essential-goods prices. The protests were accompanied by vandalism and looting.