The principle is restoring calm, Macron said, stressing that authorities would intervene to ensure public safety and to protect businesses and institutions.

According to reports, protests prompted by dissatisfaction with the increase in cost of living and problems in education have been accompanied by vandalism and robbery. Hundreds of shops have been reported in Lyons, while restrictions have been imposed on protests and protest movements in some cities.

Macro has accused far left groups of inciting violence, while the government is preparing for further demonstrations in the days ahead.

However, the new measures have sparked debate on borders of state intervention and the right of citizens to protest. Representatives of students warn that restrictions can violate freedom of assembly.

Amid public security and freedom of protest, France faces a difficult challenge: how to maintain order without violating the democratic rights of citizens.

Source Layer: RTKLive