Paris: France was bracing on Friday, October 23, for another weekend of protests after some of the worst urban violence in years erupted during demonstrations last week, as President Emmanuel Macron sought to regain the initiative and restore public order.

Macron, who announced on Thursday, October 22, that only trade-union demonstrations would be authorised this weekend, was due to chair a defence council of senior ministers and security officials before meeting law-enforcement commanders.

He was also scheduled to meet high school pupil representatives for the first time since month-long student protests over teacher shortages and deteriorating school conditions began. Those protests have broadened into nationwide anger over the rising cost of living.

Demonstrations in Marseille and Lyon have been banned for the weekend. In Paris, protesters will be restricted to a limited route between the Bastille and Nation squares, while the capital’s partial curfew remains in force until Monday, October 26.

Businesses, museums and cultural events are expected to close across the weekend despite the restrictions, as retailers remain wary of a repeat of the looting and vandalism seen last week.

The government has deployed a major security operation, including reinforcements and soldiers under Operation Sentinelle, to protect shops, public buildings and key locations.

Macron’s government faces growing political pressure as the unrest continues. Opinion polls have suggested far-right leader Marine Le Pen is gaining ground ahead of presidential elections, adding urgency to the administration’s efforts to calm tensions and address public anger.