Macron Tightens Grip on Protests as France Braces for New Mobilization

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that demonstration requests from those "not at all qualified" will be rejected during this Saturday's new wave of social mobilization, with only union-organized protests permitted. Macron stated after a national security meeting that the overall recommendation is "no demonstrations in the coming days," warning that unauthorized groups will be denied permits to allow calm to return. For union-organized events, the government will suggest alternative routes to protect city centers, shops, and buildings. Lyon and Marseille have already banned Saturday's planned protests, while Paris has approved only one march from Place de la Bastille to Place de la Nation. Macron called for the "strictest measures" against illegal acts and accused far-left groups of attempting to "overthrow the Republic." Interior Ministry deployments will increase by 20% this week, including armored vehicles and elite police units. Left-wing parties expressed anger after a meeting with Prime Minister, saying it only addressed public order without discussing political responses to the crisis, with critics arguing the government is ignoring young people's demands and the root causes of the protests.