France tightens security in anticipation of weekend protests

Gatherings banned and curfews extended as cities lock down in bid to avert more unrest.Published On 23 Oct 202623 Oct 2026French authorities have announced tightened security measures in a bid to prevent a repeat of violent unrest during protests last weekend.President Emmanuel Macron was due to hold a meeting on Friday with his defence council, made up of top ministers and officials, and to meet security forces, as cities across the country confirmed limits on gatherings and public transport.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Macron blames ‘seditious’ far left for unrest as France bans some protestslist 2 of 3Why is Gen Z revolting?list 3 of 3Macron to meet student groups: Where are France’s protests heading?end of listMacron’s announcement on Thursday that only union demonstrations would be authorised at the weekend has prompted harsh criticism from student groups whose demonstrations in recent weeks against conditions in schools were joined by groups denouncing high living costs and other grievances.More than half a million people gathered across France last Saturday for demonstrations that spiralled into violence and looting.Paris has extended a nighttime curfew unti...