French weekend protests to be limited to union demos only, says Macron

Only authorised union protests will be allowed in French towns and cities on Saturday, President Emmanuel Macron has said, after demonstrations across the country turned violent last weekend. Speaking as some cities including Lyon and Nice imposed complete bans, Macron said "illegitimate" protests would not be allowed but unions would be offered alternative routes so that businesses could be protected.Big demonstrations against the high cost of living and school conditions were overshadowed last Saturday by riots and looting that saw business and historic buildings destroyed. Interior Minister Jean-Didier Berger said law enforcement would be 20% higher than it was last weekend, after the government had promised a "massive" police deployment.At least 2,500 people have been arrested across France since the disorder broke out and Macron met intelligence services and ministers on Thursday, to prepare for the next national day of protests on Saturday."The general recommendation is that there should be no demonstrations. Those who want to continue to demonstrate, when they are trade union organisations, will have alternative routes proposed by the prefects," the French president announce...