In France, they understand that the peak of the protests may still be ahead of them

France is intensifying its fight against the riots: President Macron announced a ban on protests defined as 'illegitimate' over the weekend. About 2,700 have been arrested since Saturday, 217 have been sent to prison. The background: a crisis of immigration and identity.

France is intensifying its fight against the riots: President Emmanuel Macron announced restrictions and bans on protests ahead of the weekend, as authorities prepare with reinforced forces for another wave of protests. Macron convened the heads of the intelligence system and senior government officials and clarified that protests organized by recognized bodies, including trade unions, will be allowed to take place – but their routes may change. In contrast, other protests will be banned in places where authorities assess there is a risk of public disorder. Already this coming Saturday, all planned protests in Marseille and Lyon will be banned. In Paris, preparations are underway for the possibility of further disturbances. French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin updated that about 2,700 people have been arrested since Saturday, over a thousand have been brought before a judge, and 217 have been sent to prison. The measures come after one of the most violent weekends France has known, with hundreds of thousands of protesters, looting, arson, and attacks on police. Macron accused groups from the far left of 'political and subversive' acts. The background to the riots is a social and identity crisis surrounding immigration, Muslim communities, and Islamist extremism.