French authorities in Marseille have banned all public gatherings and demonstrations between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Monday following severe weekend unrest and looting triggered by nationwide cost-of-living protests.
The ban, issued by local police authorities, comes as Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez prepares to visit France’s second-largest city to review security measures following sharp criticism from the municipal government over the police response during Saturday’s demonstrations.
The order follows a weekend of widespread violent clashes across major French cities.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that over 1,200 people were arrested nationwide, while at least 150 law enforcement officers sustained injuries during intense street altercations, arson, and commercial looting.
BREAKING: Public gatherings have been banned in Marseille this afternoon.
Authorities say the ban will take place between 12pm and 8pm local time.
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The unrest stems from escalating public anger over soaring inflation, rising energy costs, and reduced purchasing power.
Demonstrations organized across several regions degenerated into violent confrontations between radical groups and security personnel, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to demand urgent security measures to restore public order.
