Key facts
- Businesses, cultural events and museums planned to close over the weekend.
- Student unions and the Yellow Vest movement called for rallies.
- Authorities banned all protests planned for Saturday in Marseille and Lyon.
- The risk premium on French government debt over German bonds widened to its highest level in 15 years.
- Moody's was expected to announce a ratings action on France late Friday.
Businesses, cultural events and museums in France planned to close over the weekend as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to restore order following a week of violent protests. The main student union, UNEF, and the Yellow Vest movement have called for rallies on Saturday, despite government curbs on demonstrations. Macron blamed "seditious" ultra-left groups for the unrest and stated that "illegitimate" protests would be banned, though demonstrations organized by trade unions would be allowed. The Marseille Chamber of Commerce urged businesses to shut, and major institutions like the Louvre and Art Basel Paris announced weekend closures. The risk premium on French government debt over German bonds widened to its highest level in 15 years on Thursday, and Moody's was expected to announce a ratings action on France late Friday.