Key facts
- Non-union protests will be banned on Saturday in France.
- Union-organized protests are permitted.
- The ban aims to maintain public order and protect businesses.
- Protests in Lyon have been banned.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that only union-organized protests will be permitted on Saturday, October 23, 2026. He instructed local authorities to refuse any other demonstration requests, stating the aim is to maintain public order and protect businesses following recent turmoil. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets last week, with incidents of vandalism and looting affecting thousands of businesses and public buildings. A protest organized by a major trade union in Paris has been approved, while all protests in Lyon, one of France's biggest cities, have been banned. Macron added that he will chair a defense council Friday and announce further decisions. Elite tactical police units and a military unit would also be mobilized this weekend.