France tightens security in anticipation of weekend protests
Gatherings banned and curfews extended as cities lock down in an effort to avert further unrest.
French authorities have announced tightened security measures in a bid to prevent a repeat of violent unrest during protests last weekend.
President Emmanuel Macron was due to hold a meeting on Friday with his defence council, made up of top ministers and officials, and to meet security forces, as cities across the country confirmed limits on gatherings and public transport.
Macron’s announcement on Thursday that only union demonstrations would be authorised at the weekend has prompted harsh criticism from student groups whose demonstrations in recent weeks against conditions in schools were joined by groups denouncing high living costs and other grievances.
Macron, who has blamed “seditious” ultra-left groups for the unrest, is due to announce “additional decisions” following the defence council meeting, his office said.