Manche bans protests in four city centers on October 24

The prefect of the Manche department has banned gatherings in the city centers of Saint-Lô, Cherbourg, Avranches, and Coutances on Saturday, October 24, 2026, due to unregistered protest calls circulating on social media. Prefect Marc Chappuis issued the orders to prevent potential unrest and protect businesses, following violent images in several French cities the previous weekend. Security forces will be reinforced with a 37% increase in personnel compared to the prior Saturday, with police and gendarmerie coordinating via the CORAT system. The prefect emphasized that the right to protest remains guaranteed but urged participants to assemble calmly and lawfully, warning that authorities will identify, arrest, and sanction any troublemakers. Gatherings are announced from 10 a.m. in the four affected towns.