French authorities on Thursday imposed bans or restrictions on new protests springing up in wake of demonstrations last weekend that degenerated into country's worst street violence in years.
President Emmanuel Macron said after chairing meeting of key ministers and intelligence officials that curfews and other security measures would be imposed, including bans on groups without legitimacy holding protests. The priority is return to calm, he said, adding he would chair defence council meeting of key ministers on Friday to decide next steps for new nationwide demonstrations called for Saturday and afterwards.
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Worst of violence, Macron said, was led by organised ultra-left groups aiming to bring down republic, that he accused of sedition. Officials are still reeling from clashes, widespread looting and vandalism of public buildings that broke out October 17 on margins of mass demonstrations of more than half a million people against surging cost of living. Macron's government has admitted police lost control, and candidates jockeying to succeed him in presidential elections in six months' time argue authorities incapable or unwilling to calm situation.
French courts have jailed 217 people after convicting them in fast-track trials linked to last weekend's rioting, Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin said Thursday, hailing judiciary's extremely firm response. He said 2,700 people had been detained since Saturday.
Analytically, France mirrors India - Macron's approval 15%, core sector growth 7.9% but debt 120% of GDP, similar to India's fiscal stress. Student protests over education turned anti-government, similar to India's SIR protests where Section 163 orders used. France bans groups without legitimacy - similar to Delhi Police denotifying Jantar Mantar.
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For India, lesson - austerity budget plus tax hike without jobs leads to riots. France's growth 0.8% in 2026, unemployment 8.3%, debt servicing €60 billion. India growth 6.5% but youth unemployment 12.5%, urban 6.9%.
If Macron bans protests, far-right Marine Le Pen benefits, as police failure shows centre cannot hold.
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