France is bracing for a major security crackdown this weekend after a wave of violence, arson and looting swept through cities across the country.
President Emmanuel Macron announced Thursday that protests scheduled for this Saturday will be restricted to those organized by trade unions, and warned that extremist groups are attempting to exploit the demonstrations to destabilize public order.
"Last Saturday saw subversive political acts by far-left groups whose aim is to bring down the Republic," Macron said. The president used unusually sharp language against the groups behind the violence and looting.
The decision follows a weekend of severe unrest during which businesses and public buildings were attacked. According to French reports, between 2,000 and 3,000 shops were looted or damaged during the riots, raising alarm among business owners ahead of the next wave of protests.
