Macron says protests may be banned after French riots

French President Emmanuel Macron said demonstrations may be banned if necessary, following violent riots across France. In a televised address Sunday evening, he stated that prefects will coordinate with mayors to protect cities, public buildings, and shops, potentially going as far as prohibiting certain gatherings. More than half a million people protested Saturday against rising living costs, with masked rioters attacking town halls, police stations, and government buildings in multiple cities. Macron acknowledged police faced unprecedented violence and has asked the interior minister to review police work, demanding full transparency and lessons learned. Macron vowed that rioters will be punished, stating that those who destroyed property must pay, looters must compensate for damages, and those seeking to overthrow the republic will be held accountable.