Macron calls for restrictions on non-union protests planned for October 24

French President Emmanuel Macron has instructed prefects to prohibit demonstrations planned for October 24 by organisers the authorities consider to lack legitimacy. Union applications will be assessed separately.

Macron spoke after a meeting with Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu and intelligence officials. He said prefects should prohibit gatherings requested by people without legitimate grounds to organise them, RIA Novosti reported.

Yellow vest organisers have called for new protests on October 24. The movement began in mid-September with high school students demanding better school conditions, before drawing in people protesting rising prices.

Authorities are reviewing security arrangements after the nationwide mobilisation on October 17. Union applications will be considered under existing law and organisers will be offered alternative routes, Macron said.